Cornered

Cornered Collection

by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Natalie Walters

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker's desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend's car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can't refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she's forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect--especially for Lahela.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually stay away from novellas but I really felt the pull of Lynette Eason and Lynn Blackburn! I knew and loved their writing and was convinced that a novella written by them wouldn't disappoint. I'm glad I gave this a chance as it was outstanding; all three were equally compelling stories.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦:

📚𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠 (𝙇𝙮𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣)
“Her heart still beating the rhythm only grief knew.”
-Fantastic mystery with a case to crack and a race against time
-I couldn’t figure out who was behind the cryptic notes or the purpose
-The tension and pacing had me binge-reading this one!
-I never would have predicted the twist

📚𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 (𝙇𝙮𝙣𝙣 𝙃. 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣)
-I loved Book 1 in The Gossamer Falls Series, ‘Never Fall Again,’ so it was nice to go back there
-How Cassie overcame bitterness that wanted to settle in when someone she loved stifled her dream
-I could identify with her pain in trying to please others
-Blackburn had me rooting for her and hoping that she believed in herself enough to fight for what she wanted
“Love isn’t making someone do what you want them to do. Love is setting them free to do what makes their soul sing.”
-We may feel that God isn’t close when we are struggling, but he’s there all the way with us - even when our prayers aren’t answered the way we think they should!

📚𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙊𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 (𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨)
-I lava’d this book! 💜 Briggs Turner
-We’re just back from Hawaii, so I loved the references!
-I felt the tension of ‘trying to break the friend zone’ and could identify
-Gripping story involving a stalker and their relentless pursuit captivated me
-Despite bracing myself, the twist threw me and I ended up going back and re-reading to see the breadcrumbs.

The balance between faith, romance, and suspense was perfect in all three. This was a spectacular compilation.

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED the first two, liked the third. Definitely recommend!
These authors pair so well together. Each writing style is unique to them, but they also flow into each other so that it makes sense why they are together.

In the Dark by Lynette Eason - Really liked it! The writing was easy and fun, and I love the characters! The romance was believable and sweet. I want to see that the romance and the action balance out the story to keep me interested, and this novella did that.

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn - Really liked it! Since I have read Never Fall Again, I was familiar with this setting and these characters already, which made the reading experience even better. I really love Blackburn's writing and the way she focuses on character development to drive the story. The plot is solid, but I prefer watching the relationships form and that is what kept me entertained through the whole thing. It makes me so excited to read the next book in the Gossamer Falls series!

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters - Liked it. This one didn't keep me as engaged as the first two. The mystery had a lot of sides to it and the fmc wasn't my favourite. I liked Briggs' character and how he was protective but not pushy. There were a lot of characters to keep track of that I probably would have known if I was up to date with the series that this relates to. I don't fault the story for that.

Overall, all 3 stories had great faith content, swoony romance, and heart-pumping action that made this collection a must-read!

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cornered Novella Collection - Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn and Natalie Walters - 4 Stars
BLOG POST: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

Y'all I really think Romantic Suspense books are PERFECT in Novella format! I loved this one. After reading Targeted and now Cornered, I think this author trio should definitely continue these! They are fun, short reads with just the right amount of suspense and romance I prefer! Highly recommend to my Romantic Suspense fans!

5/5 The first novella is In The Dark by Lynette Eason. This features accountant Steph Cross who is cleaning out her co-workers desk after her shocking and unexpected death. It seems like an accident, but when she finds a cryptic note in her desk that looks like she was investigating something, it looks like her death was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper comes in and is determined to help her figure everything out before someone else gets hurt. Steph has quickly become someone important to him and he will do anything to help keep her safe. This is tied to her Lake City Heroes series and since I have read books 1 and 2 in that series, I really liked this novella because I was familiar with the setting.

4/5 The second novella is In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn. This features chef Cassie Quinn who fills in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. The kitchen gets destroyed, she is in danger and thrown into a situation where her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, has to help her. I haven't read Never Fall Again, but this is in the same setting of Gossamer Falls. I have to dive into that series now because this one was again, great suspense and romance! We had good depth with the characters here because they had history together. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was some of the second chance stuff because second chance can be hit or miss with me, but I did like their characters and ending to the romance.

3.5 to 4-ish /5 The third novella is In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters. This features Lahela Young, the sister of Kekoa from the S.N.A.P agency series. I really liked our characters here because it was familiar to me, as I have read the novella and book 1 for the S.N.A.P agency series. It is hard for me to remember the character names for some reason so I had a hard time there, but overall it was good. Lahela becomes the target of someone with a twister obsession to right a wrong. She turns to her friend Briggs Turner, who used to be a police officer, but wants to help protect Lahela in what is going on. The ending in this one was very unique in the suspense, wanted a little more romance here but great suspense and action.

Overall, these are some AWESOME novellas that I think a lot of y'all will enjoy! Highly recommend these author's books and series to look into if you want some good Christian romantic suspense options.

Thank you to Revell for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornered is a gripping collection of three novellas that will have you feeling the pressure of being backed into a corner, each with a suspenseful, emotional, and faith-inspiring punch. The novellas—by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters—deliver everything I hoped for, with each story standing alone yet featuring familiar characters that tie them back to other books the authors have written, making the experience even more enjoyable.

In the first novella, In the Dark by Lynette Eason, I was immediately thrown into a corner with Detective Tate Cooper and Steph Cross. The tension in this story is thick, and I found myself flipping pages faster and faster, desperate to uncover the truth alongside them. Eason’s expert blend of suspense, romance, and emotional turmoil left me breathless. Both characters face overwhelming odds and are "cornered" by the choices they must make in the face of danger, all while trusting in God's plan for their lives. The deep emotional stakes keep you turning pages, hoping for a way out—but it’s the faith and resilience of the characters that ultimately shine through.

Lynn H. Blackburn’s Downfall brings a different kind of pressure, mixing humor with heart-pounding suspense. Cassie Quinn and Detective Donovan Bledsoe are tangled up in a complicated history, and as they navigate an increasingly dangerous situation, they must confront the past and learn to trust God in new ways. The faith theme here is especially wonderful, showing how trusting God can be a lifeline when you feel cornered by the weight of your past and present. The story of redemption and second chances rings true, as Cassie learns that the love of God—like love between two people—is built on trust, freedom, and the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters had me on an emotional rollercoaster, with Lahela Young feeling truly cornered by the terrifying reality of being stalked. The suspense is relentless, and as Lahela and Briggs Turner work together to uncover the truth, the lines between fear and faith blur. Lahela’s journey is a poignant reminder that, when we find ourselves cornered by fear or circumstances, God is our refuge—He never leaves us, even in the darkest moments. The romance in this story is built on deep trust and mutual respect, and the tension between the characters mirrors the gripping sense of being trapped in a situation with no clear way out. It’s only through their faith that they find the courage to face down their fears.

What ties these stories together isn’t just the spine-tingling suspense and romance, but the underlying Christian message that, no matter how cornered we feel, there is always a way out through if we fix our eyes on Jesus. Each character is tested in different ways, but ultimately, love and faith offer a way to break free from the traps that life sets. Cornered left me feeling inspired and mindful that when we’re backed into a corner—whether by life’s circumstances, our own mistakes, or the forces of evil—God always provides a way out. Sometimes, the greatest freedom comes from the unexpected ways He moves in our lives.

As Papa Quinn says in one of my favorite quotes, “We know that God is good. We know that He works for our good and His glory… through all the pain… still He is faithful… and we choose to offer up a sacrifice of praise.” This powerful reminder encapsulates the heart of Cornered—that no matter how stuck we feel, if we fully surrender to God, His faithfulness will always lead us through.

I highly recommend Cornered to anyone who loves Christian romantic suspense. This thrilling ride will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and love.

I received a copy of Cornered via Revell and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on how true it is to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of Novella’s from three of my favorite romantic suspense authors. Each Novela has a high octane suspense quote. And the romance is well worth read. Love to each about. Not one was a letdown. Highly recommend!

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cornered is a high octane fueled compilation of three stories by a trio of romantic suspense writers! Each story had me biting.my nails for likeable characters I wanted to be best friends with. And, heroes that I wanted as my new book boyfriend. I enjoyed each one. I normally have a favorite story in a boxed set of books, but not this time. I ENJOYED ALL THREE!
Each story could be read in an evening with a satisfying and happy ending.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Cornered by Lynette Eason, Lynn H Blackburn, and Natalie Walters lives up to the great expectations I had for it. Each unique story puts the heroine in a difficult situation—backing her against a corner. Despite all appearing to be lost toward the end of the stories, the heroine and the main characters of the story manage to come out on top.

Although Walters is a new author for me, I was delighted to discover characters from Eason and Blackburn’s other stories that I came to love.

In my review of Lynn H. Blackburn’s series debut, I praised her for capturing the Hatfield and McCoy family feud effectively, which continued in the novella Downfall (for this anthology). I liked how Lynette Eason included main characters from another series in this anthology and made Stephanie Cross and Tate Cooper stand out. Natalie Walters’ incorporation of humor in her suspense stories, a feature not commonly found in the genre, motivated me to promptly start following her on Book Bub. I will be reading more of her work.

This anthology is perfect for fans of whodunnits, suspense, thrillers, action, romance, second chances, and Christian fiction.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I am stingy with 5 stars for novella collections but each story was fantastic by these three amazing romantic suspense authors. This novella collection hit it out of the park!

1) In the Dark by Lynette Eason
Wonderful romantic suspense story! I really enjoyed Steph Cross and Detective Tate Cooper's page-turning story! Steph's friend and co-worker died on a dangerous stretch of road in the mountains, but when she checks her friend's desk and finds a notebook with encrypted messages, she's beginning to think this was no accident.

2) Downfall by Lynn Blackburn LOVED This latest story in Gossamer Falls! Even though it's novella size, I was totally invested in the story and couldn't put it down. Cassie Quinn is in danger, she's put under the watchful eye of her ex-boyfriend Detective Donovan Bledsoe for protection. I love her extended family who look out for her and won't take no for an answer. Romantic suspense told with humor and sweet well-developed characters, I couldn't put it down! Loved it!

3) Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters
Great story, character development and suspense!!! Lahela Young (Kekoa's little sister for those familiar with the author's SNAP series) becomes the target of someone with an obsession. Her friends, especially Briggs, have her back. I loved Briggs and Lahela"s story, and it's connection to the SNAP series which is one of my favorite heart pounding suspense series! Couldn't put it down!

If you like romantic suspense you can't beat these three authors! I highly recommend Cornered!
Thank you to the authors and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the first two, and the third was good, too, but, seriously, where was Kekoa throughout this one? I wanted more of him!

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I found these suspense novellas to be intriguing, and I enjoyed the connections to the series the authors wrote individually.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun novella collection by three of the best romantic suspense authors around. I enjoyed getting to know these spin-off characters from the authors’ current or previous series. Full of adrenaline, intense and fast-paced action, wonderful and lovable characters and sweet romance, this collection is a treat you can finish in one sitting.

I especially enjoyed connecting with Cassie and Donovan in Lynn Blackburn’s story while catching up with the crew in Gossamer Falls. I loved getting to know Lahela and Briggs in Natalie Walters’ story that had all sorts of twists and turns.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[JaneReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Dark by Lynette Eason - Loved it. The suspense kept me guessing and the romance was one I wanted to cheer for. This was my favourite of the collection.

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn - I liked the main characters, but there were so many side characters that I struggled to keep track of who was who, who was related to each other and how. I didn't feel invested in the mystery.

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters - I really enjoyed this story and the character relationships. I did not see the twists coming and was shocked at the reveals.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of novellas. It’s always fun when minor characters get their own stories, and each one in this collection ties into the author’s other series. Downfall was my favorite. The family feud between the Pierces and the Quinns, first introduced in Blackburn’s Never Fall Again, resurfaces here. The Quinn family’s loyalty and protectiveness made me laugh—it’s a little overbearing but still endearing.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the dark by Lynette Eason - 5 stars

This was my favourite from the collection. I was flipping pages as fast as I could on my kindle and was engaged right till the very last word.

Downfall by Lynn H Blackburn - 4.5 stars

This one started out great and just as exciting as the first novella. The Quinns and Pierce feud continues and Cassie find herself in danger. At the end, the readers were informed of events vs being part of everything as its happens, which is something which I am not fond off.

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters - 5 stars

This psychological thriller with a stalker around every corner was thrilling and at the end quite scary. I was totally caught off guard by one twist. Just wished we had a bit more Kekoa in the story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Dark by Lynette Eason

I love mystery anthologies–especially when my favorite go-to mystery Authors have a story in them! This can be said of Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters. Lynette Eason’s contribution to Cornered is In the Dark. In the Dark tells the story of Steph, who is mourning the death of her friend, Brenda. Brenda died in a car accident, but Steph does not believe it is as cut and dry as it looks. Neither does newly minted Detective Tate. As Steph and Tate seek the truth, and get closer to each other, Steph soon realizes not everything is like it seems. And the truth may hit closer to home than Steph ever anticipated.

Lynette Eason sure knows how to pack a punch of intrigue and suspense into a novella and Ms. Eason certainly does this with In the Dark! The suspense and intrigue hit you from the get-go which is very trademark of Ms. Eason. I love meeting Steph and Tate and thought they were a perfect fit. I also love that the romance aspect of the story was secondary to the mystery aspect, allowing the mystery to be front and center. I love the code cypher aspect of the mystery! I appreciated how Ms. Eason added layer upon layer to keep the reader guessing who will culprit(s) could be. In the Dark is awesome story that Ms. Eason contributed to Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas!

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn

Downfall is Lynn H. Blackburn’s contribution to Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas! In Downfall Chef Cassie is trying to move on with her life after a traumatic incident at work and a horrible breakup, only then being forced to return back to her hometown of Gossamer Falls where the horrible breakup happened. Things are going well for Cassie as she fills in as Chef at a local resort until her kitchen gets sabotaged. Ex-boyfriend Detective Donovan is put on the case, and quickly learns this not the first time someone has tried to get Cassie out of the kitchen. As Donovan and Cassie track down the Culprit, they begin to get close again while the Culprit continues to try to take Cassie out of the kitchen for good.

I love Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn! I especially love meeting Cassie, Donovan, and Cassie’s loving yet overprotective Family. I love the Chef aspect of Downfall and thought it brought a fun aspect to the story, causing the plot to have a unique twist. I love how Cassie’s Family, especially her Cousins, and Donovan were extremely protective of Cassie. Downfall kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and is a great contribution to Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas!

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters

Edgy with an Hawaiian twist is one way I would describe Natalie Walter’s Perilous Obsession in Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas! In Perilous Obsession readers meet Lahela, a woman who moved from Hawaii to Texas in order to start over after an embarrassing breakup, and Briggs, an ex-cop who is part of Lahela’s friends group and is smitten with Lahela. Lahela is enjoying and thriving in smalltown Texas, bringing Hawaiian flair to her elementary classroom where she teaches, and putting down new roots in her dream home. Lahela’s life is going well until Lahela starts being stalked, getting threatening calls and texts. Confiding in her friends about what is going on, including Briggs, her friends set out to try to keep Lahela safe…especially Briggs. As Briggs is keeping Lahela safe, Briggs discovers that Lahela is smitten with him as well. As Lahela’s Stalker (or is it Stalkers?) ramps up their threats, Briggs and Lahela’s relationship may not even have a chance before it even begins.

Perilous Obsession is an awesome addition that Natalie Walters brings to the Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas anthology! I love all things Hawaii and mystery, and when those two things can be married together into an thrilling story, I am really excited to read it! I love the essence of Hawaii that Natalie Walters brings into a story set in the state of Texas. I love how Ms. Walters pack a punch with Perilous Obsession, taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride, then giving it an explosive and powerful end. I love meeting Lahela and Briggs and thought they were perfect for each other. I love that Lahela has a strong group of friends behind her. I love the message of trusting your friends to help you get through life and not being afraid to be yourself in the process that is in the story. I was pleasantly surprised at how the mystery of Perilous Obsession turned out. (No spoilers from me!) Natalie Walters’ Perilous Obsession was a wonderful way to close out Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas!

Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas (As A Whole)

When Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters join forces to create a novella collection I know I am in for a treat of the suspenseful kind. This can definitely be said of Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas! Cornered is full-throttle from the get-go, full of dangers and twists–and I expect nothing less from Ms. Eason, Ms. Blackburn, and Ms. Walters. Each novella is unique, but has the writing DNA of it’s writer that people have come to know and love. I love how each novella is complete and at the same time left me wanting more of the story because I was enjoying it so much. If you love mysteries that give you a suspenseful escape, full of twists and turns, then I highly recommend Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters!

Have you read Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Lynette Eason for giving me copy of Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas to review (as well as NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book) and for letting me be on The Cornered Superstars Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic collection features fast-paced and exciting stories from three of my favorite suspense authors. Sometimes novellas can feel rushed and leave me unsatisfied, but that was not the case here. These stories were jam-packed full of everything I love in a romantic suspense. I loved all three of them.

In the Dark by Lynette Eason
I was hooked from the very first page. I liked Steph and Tate together. They had great chemistry right from the start, and I enjoyed watching them work together to try and solve the mystery surrounding her friend’s murder. There was so much intrigue! I couldn’t read fast enough. I could hardly catch my breath during the climactic ending. And that twist left me reeling! So good!

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn
This story was suspenseful and full of danger. I was really rooting for Cassie and Donovan to work through their issues because they were so good for each other. I thought Cassie’s dislike of confrontation was relatable, especially after what had happened to her. I loved to see so much character growth packed into this novella. I also thought that the Hatfield and McCoy-esque feud added a really interesting aspect to the story.

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters
This was an intense and action-packed story that gripped me from the very beginning and didn’t let go until the very end. I instantly liked Lahela and Briggs and was eager to see them go from friends to more. They had amazing chemistry! The danger started off kinda slow, but it kept ramping up until I could hardly catch my breath. I was so worried for Lahela. There was one point near the end where I could hardly read fast enough. My anxiety was at an all-time high. There were a couple of moments that sent chills down my spine.

If you're looking for edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding romantic suspense, grab a copy of this book! You won't be disappointed. Even though these stories are connected to the authors’ series, they standalone perfectly fine.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three stand-alone Christian romantic suspense novellas by three phenomenal authors? Yes, please!

*In the Dark by Lynette Eason: Steph Cross is an accountant who is shocked by the death of her dear friend—and discovers cryptic notes inferring it was no accident. With the help of handsome Detective Tate Cooper, she unravels a truly compelling mystery!

*Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn: Cassie Quinn lands a coveted temporary job as head chef at a luxury resort in the mountains, but when it's clear someone is putting her life in danger, she is forced to work with her ex, Detective Donovan Bledsoe. Action-packed and undeniable love!

*Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters: Lahela Young is a sweet Hawaiian teacher now living in Texas—and being stalked by someone with a deranged obsession. Briggs Turner is her ex-cop friend who longs to protect her... and maybe explore something deeper between them. Delightful characters and a shocking twist at the end!

This book is an absolute treat for all lovers of Christian romantic suspense.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three romantic suspense novellas that keep you turning pages and keep you guessing. Tough heroines and loyal heros who love them and want to protect them makes for great stories complete with complex villains who make a mess of their lives. There is an underlying faith thread that shows the characters are grounded.
In the Dark- Lynette Eason
Steph is too ready to trust and needs to be more cautious. Tate gets a workout keeping up with her.
Downfall- Lynn Blackburn
Someone is sabotaging the kitchen in The Haven in Gossamer Falls. Who wants Cassie gone and why? Donovan searches it out. This was my favorite. I loved going back to Gossamer Falls.
Perilous Obsession- Natalie Walters
Stalking and a kidnapping keeps Lehela on edge but Briggs comes to the rescue and wants to take their relationship to the next level.
A great trio of suspense stories.
* A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good novella collection connected to series written by the authors. Set in NC and TX.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Dark, by Lynette Eason: 4/5 stars.
Downfall, by Lynn H. Blackburn: 5/5 stars. (favorite of this collection.)
Perilous Obsession, by Natalie Walters: 5/5 stars.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downfall -Lynn H. Blackburn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Perilous Obsession -Natalie Walters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of Christian Fiction Suspense novellas from three of my auto buy authors. I never miss a story from any of these ladies and I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. All three had me invested from the opening pages of each story and each had its share of surprises and twists. I also loved that each novella tied back to the authors current series. Lynette’s story definitely took turns I was not expecting and it wrapped up really well. Lynn’s story was one I absolutely devoured. I think I read it in one setting, and I loved how it added what is sure to be drama to the books to come in the Gossamer Falls series. There’s going to be fallout in the rest of the series because of the events of this novella, if I don’t miss my guess! Natalie’s story was probably the one with the most surprises. I had part of it figured out, but not the whole thing and that ending was a doozy. Don’t sleep on this collection!

I received a copy of this book as a member of the Launch Team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts on my own.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun romantic suspense novella collection! The first story was "In the Dark" by Lynette Eason. When Stephanie's best friend and co-worker is killed in a car accident, some evidence comes to light that it might not be an accident and she works with the handsome new detective to figure out whodunit before it's too late. Of the 3, this one was my least favorite and I would give it 3 stars. I think this story would have made a better full-length novel with a bit more fleshing out. It was still an enjoyable story line, but it felt a bit rushed and off-kilter to me. The second story was Downfall by Lynn Blackburn. When Cassie Quinn comes in for a private meeting with the CEO of The Haven to find her kitchen completely trashed, she's at a loss. When her inability to manage conflict has some serious backlash, she finds her own life in danger and it doesn't help that the officer who responded to her case was her ex. I really enjoyed this story and would give it 5 stars. It fully sucked me in from the very beginning and took me along for the ride! The final book was Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters. When Lahela Young receives a disturbing phone call and texts on the night she's out with her friends and expecting Briggs Turner to finally ask her out, even after she's changed her number, she wonders how her stalker has continued to find her. Will this be the thing that pushes her to move back to Hawaii after all? I also enjoyed this story and would give it 5 stars. With humor woven in to the suspense and romance, this one had a great mix!

Each of these stories had a fabulous mystery element to it, a sweet romance and a light spiritual thread. All of these were clean romantic suspense stories. All were well written, decently paced and enjoyable in their own rights. Each had a unique story line and a whodunit that had me guessing, along with some serious twists and turns. All in all, this was an enjoyable romantic suspense novella collection and one I would easily recommend to fans of the genre. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this collection. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read Aloud with my little sister. 🥰

In the Dark - Lynette Eason ➡️ 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one was suspenseful and exciting as Lynette Eason’s novels usually are. It was probably my favorite out of the series.

Downfall - Lynn H Blackburn ➡️ 2 stars ⭐️⭐️

This one just didn’t do it for me. I was bored at certain parts and it was my least favorite of the series.

Perilous Obsession - Natalie Walters ➡️ 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one took me a while to get into it and there were certain parts I didn’t care for. But the suspenses and the bad guys were scary and exciting, bringing this one up to 3 stars.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornered is an excellent 3 on 1 book by 3 amazing authors.

In Lynette Eason's story, In The Dark, Steph is told by Tate, the police detective, that her friend was murder. With Tate trying to solve the reason for it and Steph helping, they're soon in the killers crosshairs. This story kept you turning pages to get to an ending that you will not see coming!!

In Downfall, by Lynn H. Blackburn, Cassie is a chef helping her friend, Bronwyn, at her inn. But someone is harassing Cassie, and it's up to Donovan, her ex, to protect her and figure out who's after. With the harassment getting more dangerous as they figure out what's going on, will they get a second chance, or will they be killed. This story keeps you turning pages.

Perilous Obession, by Natalie Walters, is another fantastic story by this author. Lahela is a teacher with a dangerous stalker. Her friend Briggs is determined to keep her safe and keep his feelings for her hidden. This story was so exciting and the ending! That totally blew me away, I didn't see that coming at all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest review.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornered
By Lynette Eason,
Lynn H. Blackburn,
and Natalie Walters

This is a fun and engaging chance to explore the writings of three different authors. They have created three stories for this collection that are set in their established series. However, reading their previous works is not required to enjoy these new offerings. This is a great way to introduce yourself or a friend to a new author (or two or three).

In the Dark is by Lynette Eason, and gracious tension runs high as Steph Cross deals with the fallout of her coworker's death when she cleans out her desk and finds a hidden notebook. If you see DANGER flashing bright red, you are there. On the plus side, she meets Detective Tate Cooper, who seems interested in her. First, she'll have to survive the person or persons intent on keeping what she found hidden. The question is why and who. Time to cue the Jaws theme. (No sharks were involved in this story, but that music is so dramatic!)

In Lynn H. Blackburn's Downfall, a long-held family feud comes into play when Cassie Quinn fills in for the local mountain resort. The other family owns the resort, and Cassie is dealing with a lot of baggage when someone suddenly decides to make it personal. With the kitchen trashed, the police are called in, and of course, the lead detective is the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. Ugh!!! Donovan Bledsoe knew he was in trouble. Yes, he broke up with Cassie but never kicked her out of his heart. Keeping her safe is now the only between him and asking for a second chance. If they can figure out why she's become a target, they may discover who is determined to shorten her life. The feud between the Quinns and the ??? has never been violent before. Could something have changed? A pulse-pounding climax is coming your way with this one!

Natalie Walter's Perilous Obsession is more than a little scary for Lahela Young. Lahela finds herself getting empty phone calls (the scary kind that you know someone is there, but they say nothing). She asks for help from Briggs Turner. As a former police officer, she knows he can help her and offer advice. But things get worse as whoever is watching her ratchets it up. Soon, it is no longer a nuisance but a danger. Lahela doesn't want to leave Texas and her new friends behind, but would returning home to Hawaii be safer, or will she just bring the danger with her? This story links to The SNAP Agency series. (Must read!!!)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Dark by Lynette Eason
Lake City Heroes #2.5
5 stars

This story was such a quick read! It was chock-full of tension and family drama. It was neat seeing a CPA featured, and I loved the codebreaking she did, but I would have adored seeing her at work on her clients’ books too. The showdown in the finale was epic.

I was surprised and disappointed to see a “holy” epithet used near the end. Those phrases always seem disrespectful to the Holy Spirit.

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn
Gossamer Falls #1.5
1 star, DNF

This story started well but slowed to a crawl when a history dump interrupted an interview. If the rivalry vibes have to be explained, maybe they weren’t written well in the first place.

I ended up DNFing this one for a couple reasons: too much telling and the lead guy was too obsessive about the girl, which led him to have irrational and unprofessional reactions where she was concerned.

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters
1 star, DNF ch. 14

Between the lack of research on fire truck lights in Texas (they don’t include blue), the leading man’s obsessive “protection” of the leading lady, and the leads staying in the same house while unmarried, this story had too many cons to be a good fit for me.

[Taylor Newport · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Dark - Lynette Eason

This book was a fun surprise for me. I am rarely a big fan of murder mysteries, but this one kept me very engaged. Steph and Tate worked well together, and communicated even better. No bad communication trope in this epic book! This book jumps right into the action. The cast is perfect. I thought I had the murder figured out pretty quick…but nope. I was wrong. And that made the book so much more enjoyable. I’ll admit there were several times I tried to put the book down…and I just couldn’t do it. Not even when my own work was calling my name. I had to finish this read. Highly recommend it!!!


Downfall - Lynn H. Blackburn

I LOVED this book! That’s it. Need I say more? Okay. Maybe. I absolutely loved Downfall too. This collection is awesome! Donovan and Cassie were so cute. And the mystery was easy to follow and once again kept me guessing who the culprit was. The sweet second-chance romance literally brought tears to my eyes. Donovan and Cassie are PERFECT together! Lynn H. Blackburn did an amazing job with this one. I will certainly be reading more books by her. This is a MUST READ!

Perilous Obsession - Natalie Walters

What a way to finish off this collection! Natalie did an excellent job in this one. She definitely kept me turning the page. I read this one in about two hours (note: I am a fast reader). Briggs and Lahela were a great couple to end this collection with. Briggs always had her back even when she was afraid to rely on him. The stalker remained hidden until the end of the book. This is another epic book by Natalie Walters. Again I recommend this whole collection!!! It is worth the money!


I received the ARC version of this collection. All opinions are my own.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

{Thank you to @netgalley and @revellfiction for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}

Cornered is a fantastic novella collection, featuring three novellas, written by three incredible romantic suspense authors.

Novellas included:

“In the Dark” by Lynette Eason
“Downfall” by Lynn H. Blackburn
“Perilous Obsession” by Natalie Walters

I enjoyed this book so much! Each novella can be read as a stand-alone, but it is extra fun if you’ve read other books from these authors as each novella featured characters connected to previous books. Isn’t it fun when you get to know minor characters better like this?!

If you’re a romantic suspense fan looking for a fast, bingeable, read, this page-turner is it!

Definitely recommend!

[Tristany Corgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After accountant Steph Cross’ friend dies in a car crash, she finds evidence that indicates the death may not have been an accident at all.🚘

Someone doesn’t want chef Cassie Quinn at The Haven resort, and when her kitchen is destroyed and she receives other threats, she must turn to her police officer ex-boyfriend for help.🔪

Teacher Lahela Young has a stalker, and when things begin to escalate, her friend, an ex-police officer, will do anything to keep her safe.📸

A novella collection with stories from three of my favorite romantic suspense authors?? Heck yes! Lynette Eason, Lynn Blackburn, and Natalie Walters deliver three nail-biting adventures with loads of suspense and strong, swoony love interests. Because these are novellas, each story is pretty short, but each one felt complete and satisfying by the end. And while they’re all connected to characters from the authors’ other series, I think they can all be read as standalones. If you’ve been thinking about jumping into romantic suspense, Cornered would be a great sampler platter of the awesome authors and storylines you can expect from this genre!🩵

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to Revell Fiction for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.📘