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Under A Turquoise Sky
When federal agent Aaron Yazzie is assigned to protect the only witness to a drug cartel execution, he hides Kailyn Eudailey in the safest place he knows . . . the vast, untamed wilderness of the Navajo Reservation.
Transporting Kailyn to New Mexico may not be as easy as Aaron would like. Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron's job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God's plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
Transporting Kailyn to New Mexico may not be as easy as Aaron would like. Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron's job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God's plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
34 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Carter
52 books245 followersWriter. Book Lover. Avid Gardener. World Traveler.
Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. www.lisacarterauthor.com
Follow Lisa on BookBub for the latest book news at https://bit.ly/3G2iWGv.
Join her newsletter mailing list for book happenings at https://rb.gy/2ilkh7.
Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. www.lisacarterauthor.com
Follow Lisa on BookBub for the latest book news at https://bit.ly/3G2iWGv.
Join her newsletter mailing list for book happenings at https://rb.gy/2ilkh7.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 5, 2020
Riveting Suspense
What a riveting suspense novel! Well crafted like a Navajo turquoise ring, this nail biting story keeps the reader scrolling through the e-book. So good, read in one day. Set on a Navajo reservation in the Southwest, Under s Turquoise Sky propels the reader along dusty reservation roads, into native homes filled with hearts that beat with loyalty, love, and life. A gringo, high maintenance society chic, Kailyn, witnesses a brutal murder and finds herself in a witness protection program sequestered on a Navajo reservation and guarded by a Navajo federal agent, Aaron. His sole job is to protect her, keeping her alive until the Mexican Mafia boss, Flores, is brought to trial when she will testify. Flores whole goal is to permanently eliminate her. Intrigue, heart pounding life or death encounters, the story line grabs the reader keeping them scrolling to the very last word. What a compelling story this is! So good, so well written, so worthwhile reading for the suspense aficionado.
What a riveting suspense novel! Well crafted like a Navajo turquoise ring, this nail biting story keeps the reader scrolling through the e-book. So good, read in one day. Set on a Navajo reservation in the Southwest, Under s Turquoise Sky propels the reader along dusty reservation roads, into native homes filled with hearts that beat with loyalty, love, and life. A gringo, high maintenance society chic, Kailyn, witnesses a brutal murder and finds herself in a witness protection program sequestered on a Navajo reservation and guarded by a Navajo federal agent, Aaron. His sole job is to protect her, keeping her alive until the Mexican Mafia boss, Flores, is brought to trial when she will testify. Flores whole goal is to permanently eliminate her. Intrigue, heart pounding life or death encounters, the story line grabs the reader keeping them scrolling to the very last word. What a compelling story this is! So good, so well written, so worthwhile reading for the suspense aficionado.
August 6, 2014
UNDER A TURQUOISE SKY is not what I expected. A romantic suspense. Quiet. Filled with passion—and not so much fear. Filled with love. Filled with hope and family restoration.
This is a romantic suspense unlike any I’ve read before—and I have to say I loved it. I loved Aaron’s rough edges. I felt his hurt, his pain. I longed for him to find his place in the world. I also felt for Kailyn, rejected by her high-society grandmother, trying to find her place in the same world that rejected her—rejected Aaron.
UNDER A TURQUOISE SKY is so tightly written that under most cases I’d say that all life was seeped from it. But in this case, most of the way, it wasn’t. If you read romantic suspense you’ll want to read UNDER A TURQUOISE SKY. Highly recommended.
4.5 stars.
This is a romantic suspense unlike any I’ve read before—and I have to say I loved it. I loved Aaron’s rough edges. I felt his hurt, his pain. I longed for him to find his place in the world. I also felt for Kailyn, rejected by her high-society grandmother, trying to find her place in the same world that rejected her—rejected Aaron.
UNDER A TURQUOISE SKY is so tightly written that under most cases I’d say that all life was seeped from it. But in this case, most of the way, it wasn’t. If you read romantic suspense you’ll want to read UNDER A TURQUOISE SKY. Highly recommended.
4.5 stars.
October 17, 2014
I don't know where to start with this! I seldom read modern-set fiction, but thought this one looked pretty good. It was amazing! I felt like I went through the heroine's tension and then release as she felt secure from the threats that are chasing her. Still, in the back of my mind I knew that the conflict would return...but, boy, was I surprised at the form it came in!
I loved the two main characters and their bickering. I loved little Taco and how he seemed to bring the people around him together. I loved the redemption story woven through the entire book, and how the reader is witness to the entire process. I just loved the whole thing!
I recommend this one for mature readers due to some violence and adult-themed peril & criminal activity.
I loved the two main characters and their bickering. I loved little Taco and how he seemed to bring the people around him together. I loved the redemption story woven through the entire book, and how the reader is witness to the entire process. I just loved the whole thing!
I recommend this one for mature readers due to some violence and adult-themed peril & criminal activity.
April 26, 2022
They say you should write the book you want to read, but I don't have to because Lisa Carter already has! This book is long on wit and short on fluff. The bad guys are bad and the good guys aren't perfect. The dialogue between characters is realistic and often time charmingly flirtatious. The setting is a character of its own, painted with a skilled hand that gives us either too much nor too little, but settles us just right into the stunning beauty dessert New Mexico. But we can't get too comfortable because the terrain abounds with vicious scorpions and deadly rattlesnakes, not to mention the cartel assassins out to find our heroine and her protector. And the bonus is an insight into a culture most of us know too little about. I love the depth of research Carter goes through to make this story real, and I love that she had given us a beautiful story of second chances wrapped in a captivating romantic suspense.
May 29, 2022
I found this book very frustrating and having to reread sections.
September 2, 2014
Under A Turquoise Sky, Lisa Carter
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
This looked a fun and interesting read, I was looking forward to reading about life in the wilds of the Navajo reservation. Sadly though this book was too God centric for me.
I'm not anti religion, not saying books should never mention God(s) of any kind. I've loved learning about different religions from some books. I was brought up the traditional route of sunday school, church etc, and was even a teacher for a couple of years in my teens, but since then I've come to the view that if there is a God or Gods then it's Doing that counts, not Talking. Here I felt that God was thrown at me from every couple of pages. The characters seem incapable of having even a simple conversation without reference to God in some way...that spoiled it for me. TBH though I don't think I'd have gelled with it even without the God refs. The characters seem to me to be very stereotyped, Kailyn as the poor little rich girl, she's pushed as a fluffy, decorative airhead, and when she does do something it seems like a celebration is expected for it. She's unrelentingly cheerful, even with all the death and danger she's seen and faces. Making a bandage for the tough FBI agent out of the dog's superdog cape – guess that was supposed to be amusing, but for me it was just an example of how cheesy I found so much of the content. It's pretty clear too how Aaron is going to react to her, hates her but wants her....and it took so long before we got to the reservation part that I gave up....DNF the book :-( just couldn't take any more swirky cheese, and enforced cheer of God allusions.
Stars: sorry, just a two from me. Not my kind of read, and it if had a Christian tag I'd have realised before. I avoid those ones as I know they don't suit me, but clearly as there is a whole genre devoted to it then others love them, and this book would benefit from more clear labelling.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
This looked a fun and interesting read, I was looking forward to reading about life in the wilds of the Navajo reservation. Sadly though this book was too God centric for me.
I'm not anti religion, not saying books should never mention God(s) of any kind. I've loved learning about different religions from some books. I was brought up the traditional route of sunday school, church etc, and was even a teacher for a couple of years in my teens, but since then I've come to the view that if there is a God or Gods then it's Doing that counts, not Talking. Here I felt that God was thrown at me from every couple of pages. The characters seem incapable of having even a simple conversation without reference to God in some way...that spoiled it for me. TBH though I don't think I'd have gelled with it even without the God refs. The characters seem to me to be very stereotyped, Kailyn as the poor little rich girl, she's pushed as a fluffy, decorative airhead, and when she does do something it seems like a celebration is expected for it. She's unrelentingly cheerful, even with all the death and danger she's seen and faces. Making a bandage for the tough FBI agent out of the dog's superdog cape – guess that was supposed to be amusing, but for me it was just an example of how cheesy I found so much of the content. It's pretty clear too how Aaron is going to react to her, hates her but wants her....and it took so long before we got to the reservation part that I gave up....DNF the book :-( just couldn't take any more swirky cheese, and enforced cheer of God allusions.
Stars: sorry, just a two from me. Not my kind of read, and it if had a Christian tag I'd have realised before. I avoid those ones as I know they don't suit me, but clearly as there is a whole genre devoted to it then others love them, and this book would benefit from more clear labelling.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
December 24, 2015
Kailyn Eudailey, is a witness to a murder and the person who committed the crime was a drug lord that the government has been after for years. She actually saw him once when she was dating a lawyer and she walked into a place she should not have. Now once again being in the wrong place she has decided to take the witness protection and be gone with her so called debutante life. The head of the Marshall Service has now moved her to his private cabin because somehow the cartel keeps finding her location and he has called in his adopted son FBI agent Aaron Yazzie, but when he shows up she thinks he is part of the cartel because she saw him there that one time in the apartment. After she finds out that he is an undercover agent she still does not believe him but goes along with it. Then the cartel shows up and there is a shot out. Steve ends up dying but before making Aaron promise to take care of her until the trail 2 months from now. After a stop in New Orleans, the next place and the only place he can think of to hide is where he grew up and that is the reservation in Arizona. This is where the story takes off and you get see Aaron dealing with his past and how she is becoming one with the community. His past also comes back to not only to try to take him but also Kailyn, and now he must decide is the feelings he has for her real or fake, and then she forces his hand by leaving. Does he leave his pride behind and go after her or does he stay miserable. Read the book and find out. a good story with very good characters. I got this book from net galley.
August 4, 2014
A fast paced drama with a great storyline and excellent setting. The descriptions are vivid, the plot exciting... it's the perfect book for an afternoon read. Yes, I said afternoon because I read it in one sitting.
Kailyn witnesses a murder by drug cartel and agrees to testify which puts her in mortal danger. An agent working undercover takes her life into his own hands by attempting to keep her alive since the Witness Protection didn't work. She's an independent woman and makes the agent's job interesting for sure.
There's lots of excitement, loved the characters and the beautiful cover.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kailyn witnesses a murder by drug cartel and agrees to testify which puts her in mortal danger. An agent working undercover takes her life into his own hands by attempting to keep her alive since the Witness Protection didn't work. She's an independent woman and makes the agent's job interesting for sure.
There's lots of excitement, loved the characters and the beautiful cover.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
Under A Turquoise Sky is one the author’s favorites, and I can see why. An early book by Lisa Carter, this one is full of sass. I loved main characters Aaron and Kailyn as they dodged the bad guys and resisted attraction to each other. Romance is a main ingredient in this suspenseful tale and makes it a recommended read!
Kailyn Eudailey is a southern belle with all the trimmings, but she is one down-to-earth cookie with grit. She and FBI undercover agent Aaron Matthews are on the run to the Navajo nation to escape a very powerful Mexican cartel. These two main characters are great together — sarcasm and sass cover the sweet romance they long for. Aaron carries childhood scars — both physical and emotional, while Kailyn longs for a true home. Their fake marriage is a means to escape detection, but it just emphasizes what each of them dreams of. The setting of the Navajo nation is perfect. I loved the inclusion of Navajo traditions and the way they worship God. While a good bit of the book is dedicated to Aaron and Kailyn’s relationship, danger is never too far off. Accidents take on new meaning and no one can be trusted as the cartel gets closer and closer. And there are some big twists that caught this reader by surprise.
While Under A Turquoise Sky is a standalone novel, Beneath A Navajo Moon has the same setting and has some overlap characters and is now on my TBR list! If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you need to check out both of these books.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Kailyn Eudailey is a southern belle with all the trimmings, but she is one down-to-earth cookie with grit. She and FBI undercover agent Aaron Matthews are on the run to the Navajo nation to escape a very powerful Mexican cartel. These two main characters are great together — sarcasm and sass cover the sweet romance they long for. Aaron carries childhood scars — both physical and emotional, while Kailyn longs for a true home. Their fake marriage is a means to escape detection, but it just emphasizes what each of them dreams of. The setting of the Navajo nation is perfect. I loved the inclusion of Navajo traditions and the way they worship God. While a good bit of the book is dedicated to Aaron and Kailyn’s relationship, danger is never too far off. Accidents take on new meaning and no one can be trusted as the cartel gets closer and closer. And there are some big twists that caught this reader by surprise.
While Under A Turquoise Sky is a standalone novel, Beneath A Navajo Moon has the same setting and has some overlap characters and is now on my TBR list! If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you need to check out both of these books.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
July 3, 2025
Under a Turquoise Sky is the first book I have read by Lisa Carter. It is a standalone novel.
Under a Turquoise Sky is a gritty romantic suspense novel that starts with you questioning what you are reading. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, and after the first chapter, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading.
The story picks up in the second chapter, with Kailyn witnessing a murder and subsequently entering witness protection. Unfortunately, things do not go smoothly. Before she knows what is happening, you finds herself under the protection of Aaron, whom she had previously met, and didn't trust at all.
Aaron Yazzie is not who he seems to be, either. He has many layers that Kailyn slowly uncovers. He isn't happy about having to protect Kailyn, but he is keeping a promise. Aaron decides the safest place for him and Kailyn is to go back to his roots, a Navajo reservation.
The story lags in the middle, and Kailyn starts getting on my nerves. She does not make sound decisions, and she is very naive, especially for the situation she is in. I can see the danger from a mile away, but she is clueless. There enters a huge miscommunication at this point that carries quite far into the story, which is one of my least favorite tropes. I did not like how it was handled, and Kailyn did not redeem herself in my eyes.
I appreciated the uniqueness of the story, the WITSEC aspect, and really enjoyed Grandmother and her schemes.
Under a Turquoise Sky is a gritty romantic suspense novel that starts with you questioning what you are reading. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, and after the first chapter, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading.
The story picks up in the second chapter, with Kailyn witnessing a murder and subsequently entering witness protection. Unfortunately, things do not go smoothly. Before she knows what is happening, you finds herself under the protection of Aaron, whom she had previously met, and didn't trust at all.
Aaron Yazzie is not who he seems to be, either. He has many layers that Kailyn slowly uncovers. He isn't happy about having to protect Kailyn, but he is keeping a promise. Aaron decides the safest place for him and Kailyn is to go back to his roots, a Navajo reservation.
The story lags in the middle, and Kailyn starts getting on my nerves. She does not make sound decisions, and she is very naive, especially for the situation she is in. I can see the danger from a mile away, but she is clueless. There enters a huge miscommunication at this point that carries quite far into the story, which is one of my least favorite tropes. I did not like how it was handled, and Kailyn did not redeem herself in my eyes.
I appreciated the uniqueness of the story, the WITSEC aspect, and really enjoyed Grandmother and her schemes.
December 8, 2019
This book starts right into the action. After witnessing her friend's murder, the heroine finds herself in WITSEC, only there's a traitor among the marshalls and she finds herself running for her life, protected by a man she has no reason to trust. Two wounded souls, hiding on a reservation and unsure who they can trust. Slowly trust begins to build--but are they trusting the right people or not?
I enjoyed the cast of interesting and (mostly) likable characters and the deep sense and respect for the harsh but beautiful setting.
I enjoyed the cast of interesting and (mostly) likable characters and the deep sense and respect for the harsh but beautiful setting.
March 10, 2020
A Debutante on the Reservation
This ticked off all the right boxes: a rich southern gal in the secret witness program; the ugliest dog of hero status; and the mysterious ex-Ranger, gangster, FBI agent who also happened to be a Navajo. Yet the hardest thing he ever did was to capture her heart while he surrendered his. I loved how the author revealed the impoverished reservations struggles against addictions and other evils which are too often forgotten.
This ticked off all the right boxes: a rich southern gal in the secret witness program; the ugliest dog of hero status; and the mysterious ex-Ranger, gangster, FBI agent who also happened to be a Navajo. Yet the hardest thing he ever did was to capture her heart while he surrendered his. I loved how the author revealed the impoverished reservations struggles against addictions and other evils which are too often forgotten.
September 25, 2018
A great weaving of a southern belle raised in a very restrictive family environment with someone from Navajo descent but who was taken away from an early age. Shows sometimes your biggest battle is with the one your trying to help. Great insights in the Mexican drug culture as well as the Christian/Navajo culture. A good page turner.
October 11, 2023
This was a fun read! Great chemistry between the main characters. I found myself giggling at the feistiness of the heroine, and loving her loyalty to the hero. Interesting storyline, good character development, while delving into topics that need our society’s attention. I enjoyed this story a great deal!
June 8, 2017
Under a Turquoise Sky
A great read! I love books that combine the Navajo culture along with the geographical locations, of N.M., As., etc. Having lived there for over 20 years, it feels like I'm reading about "HOME"!
A great read! I love books that combine the Navajo culture along with the geographical locations, of N.M., As., etc. Having lived there for over 20 years, it feels like I'm reading about "HOME"!
July 27, 2017
as a fan of all things Navajo, I picked up this book at library. didn't realize it was a romance, but it also involves crime, mafia, navajo, north Carolina. I read it fast so must've liked it.
light reading about someone in witness protection.
light reading about someone in witness protection.
February 25, 2020
I hated to see this book end
This is the first book I have read by this author. I can't wait to read more! The characters were well-defined and the plot kept me turning the pages until well after midnight. I highly recommend this book!
This is the first book I have read by this author. I can't wait to read more! The characters were well-defined and the plot kept me turning the pages until well after midnight. I highly recommend this book!
June 3, 2021
This is the story of Aaron Yazzie a federal agent hiding Kailyn Eudailey in the safest place he knows the Navajo Reservation. She is from the south and is a true Southern Belle and is pushing him for her independence. Will he be able to protect him from the drug cartel that wants her dead?
March 8, 2017
Got a 4 because I liked the humor/personalities of the main characters.
March 31, 2019
Quick read. Christian romance. Author did a lot of research into Navajo culture which I appreciate.
Read
September 12, 2020a very enjoyable read
when a young woman enters the witness protection plan she not only endures, but flourishes, thanks to her strong relationship with God.
when a young woman enters the witness protection plan she not only endures, but flourishes, thanks to her strong relationship with God.
January 31, 2021
I think I have a new favorite author!!
March 31, 2022
Christian Suspenseful Romance
This was a new author and narrator for me! I enjoyed them both tremendously! I'll definitely be looking for more of each of their works!
This was a new author and narrator for me! I enjoyed them both tremendously! I'll definitely be looking for more of each of their works!
Read
November 7, 2023Church Book Club
March 26, 2016
Kailyn Eudailey is terrified when she witnesses her best friend, Gabby Flores, being murdered by her Mexican Mafia husband, Esteban Flores. She quickly finds herself in the witness protection program with agent Steve Matthews, until she can testify against Flores. Steve calls on his adopted son, Agent Aaron Matthews to help hide her. Sparks fly when they meet because she recognizes him as Rafael Chavez, one of Flores' men. The last thing Aaron wants is to have to deal with a spoiled southern bell! When the mafia comes after her, Aaron whisks her away to the one place he thinks they'll never find them, the place of his true heritage, the Navajo Reservation. He's sure, given Kailyn's high society background, that she'll have a hard time adjusting to the simple way of life, but with each passing day, she surprises him with the way she's fitting in and winning over everyone she meets. Their 'cover' is feeling more and more real everyday and Aaron seems to be losing his heart. His job is to protect her but he's having a hard time protecting his heart. Kailyn is not only falling in love with Aaron, but also with the peaceful way of life on the 'Rez'. Danger however, is lurking just around and from where you least expect it. Kailyn's faith with be tested to it's limit and Aaron just might find himself having to trust the God he thinks has failed him.
Under a Turquoise Sky will immediately draw you in and won't let you go until the last page is turned. You'll find action, suspense and of course, romance. I totally fell in love with Kailyn and Aaron. Kailyn is someone you can't help but like and wish you had her for a friend. She's so good hearted and genuine. Aaron was one of those heroes you just gravitate to. He's strong, capable and rough around the edges, yet deep down his heart is tender. Together these two were explosive. I absolutely loved ALL the romantic tension and snappy dialog between them. It was great! One thing that I really appreciated was the way Kailyn's faith made a difference in people's lives, especially Aaron's. I also appreciated that though folks on the reservation were believers, they still maintained their heritage. I will say that there were a couple of places in the story that made me wonder why Kailyn or Aaron acted the way they they did, but in no way did it distract me from the story itself. This is the first thing I've read by Lisa Carter but I can assure you it won't be my last. I have just added her to my 'favorite authors' list! If you enjoy a good romantic suspense, loaded with lots of great romantic tension, then I definitely recommend you look... Under a Turquoise Sky.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Abingdon Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (September 2, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1426758022
ISBN-13: 978-1426758027
Under a Turquoise Sky will immediately draw you in and won't let you go until the last page is turned. You'll find action, suspense and of course, romance. I totally fell in love with Kailyn and Aaron. Kailyn is someone you can't help but like and wish you had her for a friend. She's so good hearted and genuine. Aaron was one of those heroes you just gravitate to. He's strong, capable and rough around the edges, yet deep down his heart is tender. Together these two were explosive. I absolutely loved ALL the romantic tension and snappy dialog between them. It was great! One thing that I really appreciated was the way Kailyn's faith made a difference in people's lives, especially Aaron's. I also appreciated that though folks on the reservation were believers, they still maintained their heritage. I will say that there were a couple of places in the story that made me wonder why Kailyn or Aaron acted the way they they did, but in no way did it distract me from the story itself. This is the first thing I've read by Lisa Carter but I can assure you it won't be my last. I have just added her to my 'favorite authors' list! If you enjoy a good romantic suspense, loaded with lots of great romantic tension, then I definitely recommend you look... Under a Turquoise Sky.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Abingdon Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (September 2, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1426758022
ISBN-13: 978-1426758027
September 7, 2014
What an exciting story Lisa Carter has pinned. This is the saga of Aaron Yazzie aka Rafael Chavez, a tough-as-nails FBI agent, and Kailyn Eudailey, a beautiful southern belle both on the inside and out. On the surface these two are nothing alike yet deep down both harbor hurts from abusive pasts; perhaps that's why they are like oil and water when they are together; what an amazing and delicious mix!!
Kailyn Eudailey endured the horror of seeing her new best friend being murdered at the hands of her Mexican Mafia husband, Esteban Flores, now her life will never be the same. Seeing that monster behind bars will be worth her being put in the witness protection program, besides she doesn't mind leaving behind her empty life as the granddaughter of the elite Carole Eudailey.
When Aaron Yazzie is asked by his adopted dad to take over the protection of a young woman that has witnessed a murder by Esteban Flores he has no clue they have already met; had he known who it was he probably would have refused. When Kailyn recognizes who she thinks is Rafael Chavez, she panics because the last time she saw him was in the company of Esteban Flores. Once again it seems she has been sold out and marked for death!
When Flores' men show up to take out Kailyn, Aaron has no choice but to take her and run. After being tracked down a second time and almost killed Aaron decides to take this infuriating woman to the one place where no one would ever think to look them...The Navajo Reservation; as very few people know his true heritage. What Aaron decides to do on the way there even he can't understand! Could it be he has broken the number one rule of law enforcement; he has fallen for his witness? When an unexpected evil from Aaron's past shows up, will he be able to keep both Kailyn and himself from certain death?
Lisa Carter has quickly become one of my favored authors; one who writes intriguing stories that catch my attention from the start!! She also has a beautiful illuminating voice that flowed effortlessly while describing the vast landscape of the Navajo Nation; she made me feel as though I was there beholding its splendor. If you are looking for a book that will be well worth your time then look no further, this is the one to grab!!
***Thanks to the Abingdon Press and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***
Kailyn Eudailey endured the horror of seeing her new best friend being murdered at the hands of her Mexican Mafia husband, Esteban Flores, now her life will never be the same. Seeing that monster behind bars will be worth her being put in the witness protection program, besides she doesn't mind leaving behind her empty life as the granddaughter of the elite Carole Eudailey.
When Aaron Yazzie is asked by his adopted dad to take over the protection of a young woman that has witnessed a murder by Esteban Flores he has no clue they have already met; had he known who it was he probably would have refused. When Kailyn recognizes who she thinks is Rafael Chavez, she panics because the last time she saw him was in the company of Esteban Flores. Once again it seems she has been sold out and marked for death!
When Flores' men show up to take out Kailyn, Aaron has no choice but to take her and run. After being tracked down a second time and almost killed Aaron decides to take this infuriating woman to the one place where no one would ever think to look them...The Navajo Reservation; as very few people know his true heritage. What Aaron decides to do on the way there even he can't understand! Could it be he has broken the number one rule of law enforcement; he has fallen for his witness? When an unexpected evil from Aaron's past shows up, will he be able to keep both Kailyn and himself from certain death?
Lisa Carter has quickly become one of my favored authors; one who writes intriguing stories that catch my attention from the start!! She also has a beautiful illuminating voice that flowed effortlessly while describing the vast landscape of the Navajo Nation; she made me feel as though I was there beholding its splendor. If you are looking for a book that will be well worth your time then look no further, this is the one to grab!!
***Thanks to the Abingdon Press and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***
January 30, 2015
This author is so talented. She had me riveted to her story with the first page. Every carefully chosen word of her description of the drug den that the main character walks into in the first chapter conveys Kailyn's disdain and distress. Subsequent chapters that describe her friend's murder and her efforts to avoid dirty FBI agents and Mexican mafia thugs are equally vivid and compelling.
In typical romantic suspense fashion, the hero and heroine are polar opposites. Kailyn is a pristine, girly, fashion-savvy southern belle, whom Aaron calls "deb" (or debutante), in an expression of contempt. Aaron is a street-savvy government agent, who has spent too much time undercover in a brutal drug cartel. The only reason they tolerate each other is because of their promises to the kind-hearted US Marshall, Aaron's adopted dad, who is killed while trying to get Kailyn to safety. Sparks and weapons fly, as the two learn to trust each other because their lives depend on it.
For your exotic animal lovers, another main character is Kailyn's canine. A hairless dog rescued from an animal shelter, Taco repeatedly saves his mistress' life and that of her protector. He eventually proves useful for ministering to abused children, as well.
Lisa Carter has carefully researched Navajo and Latino culture. I love how she sprinkles generous helpings of Dine language and customs into her story, as well as a smattering of Spanish expressions. She very sensitively deals with the subjects of child abuse, alcoholism and human trafficking, which all play into her story.
The identity of the bad guy in the end was completely unexpected. But The People band together to rescue our hero and heroine in a harrowing showdown in the desert. The story was so exciting, I stayed up until midnight trying to find out how it was going to play out!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense novel. But it is especially good for those who are interested in Navajo culture. Lisa Carter lovingly paints the colors, textures, sounds, smells and other details of Dine land and its inhabitants. You cannot help but love and respect The People even more, after reading Under a Turquoise Sky and its predecessor, Beneath a Navajo Moon.
In typical romantic suspense fashion, the hero and heroine are polar opposites. Kailyn is a pristine, girly, fashion-savvy southern belle, whom Aaron calls "deb" (or debutante), in an expression of contempt. Aaron is a street-savvy government agent, who has spent too much time undercover in a brutal drug cartel. The only reason they tolerate each other is because of their promises to the kind-hearted US Marshall, Aaron's adopted dad, who is killed while trying to get Kailyn to safety. Sparks and weapons fly, as the two learn to trust each other because their lives depend on it.
For your exotic animal lovers, another main character is Kailyn's canine. A hairless dog rescued from an animal shelter, Taco repeatedly saves his mistress' life and that of her protector. He eventually proves useful for ministering to abused children, as well.
Lisa Carter has carefully researched Navajo and Latino culture. I love how she sprinkles generous helpings of Dine language and customs into her story, as well as a smattering of Spanish expressions. She very sensitively deals with the subjects of child abuse, alcoholism and human trafficking, which all play into her story.
The identity of the bad guy in the end was completely unexpected. But The People band together to rescue our hero and heroine in a harrowing showdown in the desert. The story was so exciting, I stayed up until midnight trying to find out how it was going to play out!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense novel. But it is especially good for those who are interested in Navajo culture. Lisa Carter lovingly paints the colors, textures, sounds, smells and other details of Dine land and its inhabitants. You cannot help but love and respect The People even more, after reading Under a Turquoise Sky and its predecessor, Beneath a Navajo Moon.
November 5, 2014
Under a Turquoise Sky is Christian Romantic Suspense, usually my favourite genre, but this really didn’t gel with me. I found the characters too stereotypical, and the plot verging on melodramatic. It didn’t help that I kept being pulled out of the story by writing glitches (I was reading an unproofed version of the manuscript, but it wasn’t typos and spelling mistakes that annoyed me, but sentences that didn’t makes sense. I don’t mind the advance review copy having a few typos, but the writing should still sing. This didn’t).
It didn’t start well. In fact, it started three times: Kailyn meets Rafe/Aaron at a party; Kailyn watches her best friend get murdered by her drug lord husband; Kailyn in witness protection where her care is entrusted to Aaron. I didn’t like Kailyn as a character, and that didn’t help. I can’t exactly pinpoint what I didn’t like, but I think it was that I didn’t see any depth to her. She came across as somewhat dim.
Aaron was a more complex character, a half-Navajo child who’d been mistreated by his white stepfather then adopted by a white family. He had rejected God, but this is a Christian romance, and we all know that means the hero and heroine both have to be Christians by the end of the book. This was another big failing for me: I didn’t see any development in Aaron’s faith journey throughout the book, which made the inevitable conversion seem unrealistic.
What was good? I really liked Aaron’s Navajo grandmother. She was brighter than she let on, with a wicked sense of humour and large doses of tribal and Christian wisdom, even if it tended to be delivered as cliché dialogue. But the good wasn’t enough to make up for lacklustre writing and a main character I was unable to empathise with.
As an aside, this book illustrates why I no longer pay any attention to author endorsements. Under a Turquoise Sky has been endorsed by DiAnn Mills, who says, “only lightening can strike faster than the action in this thrilling romantic suspense.” Yes, the same novel I found slow and predictable. I won’t be reading any further novels by Lisa Carter, and I might think twice about DiAnn Mills as well.
Thanks to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
It didn’t start well. In fact, it started three times: Kailyn meets Rafe/Aaron at a party; Kailyn watches her best friend get murdered by her drug lord husband; Kailyn in witness protection where her care is entrusted to Aaron. I didn’t like Kailyn as a character, and that didn’t help. I can’t exactly pinpoint what I didn’t like, but I think it was that I didn’t see any depth to her. She came across as somewhat dim.
Aaron was a more complex character, a half-Navajo child who’d been mistreated by his white stepfather then adopted by a white family. He had rejected God, but this is a Christian romance, and we all know that means the hero and heroine both have to be Christians by the end of the book. This was another big failing for me: I didn’t see any development in Aaron’s faith journey throughout the book, which made the inevitable conversion seem unrealistic.
What was good? I really liked Aaron’s Navajo grandmother. She was brighter than she let on, with a wicked sense of humour and large doses of tribal and Christian wisdom, even if it tended to be delivered as cliché dialogue. But the good wasn’t enough to make up for lacklustre writing and a main character I was unable to empathise with.
As an aside, this book illustrates why I no longer pay any attention to author endorsements. Under a Turquoise Sky has been endorsed by DiAnn Mills, who says, “only lightening can strike faster than the action in this thrilling romantic suspense.” Yes, the same novel I found slow and predictable. I won’t be reading any further novels by Lisa Carter, and I might think twice about DiAnn Mills as well.
Thanks to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
June 11, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When federal agent Aaron Yazzie is assigned to protect the only witness to a drug cartel execution, he hides Kailyn Eudailey in the safest place he knows . . . the vast, untamed wilderness of the Navajo Reservation.
Transporting Kailyn to New Mexico may not be as easy as Aaron would like. Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron's job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God’s plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
I am feeling a little bit torn with this book (hence the three stars) because there felt like such a strong story that was let down by the characters; there was a stunning setting, let down by some pretty ordinary dialogue; and there was some stunning plot-devices, let down by the whole "everyone must be a Christian by the end of the book" style of writing.
As I said, there was some great parts to this book - the setting was excellent, I really did like the mystery and plot involved with this book. If it had stayed right there, it would have definitely been 4 stars, if not five. While Kailyn was a pretty ordinary character, Aaron seemed to have a lot of depth to his personality - which is then let down by the fact that we see no spiritual journey for him throughout the book. The other character that really suffered from great/ordinary was Aaron's grandmother - smart, wise and funny, but let down with some cheesy dialogue and cliches.
Overall, I thought it was pretty good but the failings were just as impressive in my mind.
Paul
ARH
When federal agent Aaron Yazzie is assigned to protect the only witness to a drug cartel execution, he hides Kailyn Eudailey in the safest place he knows . . . the vast, untamed wilderness of the Navajo Reservation.
Transporting Kailyn to New Mexico may not be as easy as Aaron would like. Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron's job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God’s plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
I am feeling a little bit torn with this book (hence the three stars) because there felt like such a strong story that was let down by the characters; there was a stunning setting, let down by some pretty ordinary dialogue; and there was some stunning plot-devices, let down by the whole "everyone must be a Christian by the end of the book" style of writing.
As I said, there was some great parts to this book - the setting was excellent, I really did like the mystery and plot involved with this book. If it had stayed right there, it would have definitely been 4 stars, if not five. While Kailyn was a pretty ordinary character, Aaron seemed to have a lot of depth to his personality - which is then let down by the fact that we see no spiritual journey for him throughout the book. The other character that really suffered from great/ordinary was Aaron's grandmother - smart, wise and funny, but let down with some cheesy dialogue and cliches.
Overall, I thought it was pretty good but the failings were just as impressive in my mind.
Paul
ARH
February 9, 2015
This is my first novel by this author. I've met Lisa a couple of times at writer's conferences and she is one of the most genuine people I've ever met.
Under a Turquoise Sky is a romantic suspense novel about two people, two worlds, two different cultures colliding. Kailyn is a southern debutante who seemingly has everything going for her until she witnesses a murder. Until the trial, she is placed in Witness Protection with federal agent Aaron Yazzie who is a chameleon of several different cultures.
The safest place he can think to hide her because no one is trustworthy is on the reservation of his youth which opens up old wounds for him to deal with.
For the first third of this book-- I was really struggling with a couple aspects of the novel. Both the characters and their dialogue came off as juvenile to me. Everyone seemed to be saying, "Yea.", "Dude.", "My man." etc. It didn't seem to highlight just one character's speech but everyone's speech.
After that though, I totally ended up loving this book. The characters seemed to grow in themselves. Their struggles were real and the clash of cultures provided a nice area of tension in addition to the overall suspense of the plot. I really enjoyed learning about this Native American culture and found Aaron's struggles very realistic. I enjoyed the relationship between Kailyn and Aaron's grandmother.
I have found it difficult to find authors who, in my mind for CBA, really write suspenseful novels--particularly when writing romantic suspense. I can't say that about Lisa.
I am happy to have found a fellow author who can write a truly engaging and suspenseful tale.
My thanks to Lisa and Abingdon Press for a free copy of this novel for review. A positive review was not required.
Under a Turquoise Sky is a romantic suspense novel about two people, two worlds, two different cultures colliding. Kailyn is a southern debutante who seemingly has everything going for her until she witnesses a murder. Until the trial, she is placed in Witness Protection with federal agent Aaron Yazzie who is a chameleon of several different cultures.
The safest place he can think to hide her because no one is trustworthy is on the reservation of his youth which opens up old wounds for him to deal with.
For the first third of this book-- I was really struggling with a couple aspects of the novel. Both the characters and their dialogue came off as juvenile to me. Everyone seemed to be saying, "Yea.", "Dude.", "My man." etc. It didn't seem to highlight just one character's speech but everyone's speech.
After that though, I totally ended up loving this book. The characters seemed to grow in themselves. Their struggles were real and the clash of cultures provided a nice area of tension in addition to the overall suspense of the plot. I really enjoyed learning about this Native American culture and found Aaron's struggles very realistic. I enjoyed the relationship between Kailyn and Aaron's grandmother.
I have found it difficult to find authors who, in my mind for CBA, really write suspenseful novels--particularly when writing romantic suspense. I can't say that about Lisa.
I am happy to have found a fellow author who can write a truly engaging and suspenseful tale.
My thanks to Lisa and Abingdon Press for a free copy of this novel for review. A positive review was not required.
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