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Red Zone
When Marcy Farris comes face to face with a murder victim at a high school football game, she's plunged into a game no one wants to play. Despite police assurances, she knows this wasn't a random murder. But to prove otherwise she'll have to tackle the painful memories of her husband's suicide.
Struck down by an injury in his prime, former NFL linebacker, Jack Briggs, wonders if there's life after football. His perspective changes when he meets Marcy. Though she's out of his league, Jack finds himself drawn to Marcy's "go-for-it" demeanor. Now, as the killer stalks Marcy, Jack has to prove he still has moves before the killer has a chance to exact his revenge on Marcy.
There is no overtime in the game of murder — only sudden death.
Struck down by an injury in his prime, former NFL linebacker, Jack Briggs, wonders if there's life after football. His perspective changes when he meets Marcy. Though she's out of his league, Jack finds himself drawn to Marcy's "go-for-it" demeanor. Now, as the killer stalks Marcy, Jack has to prove he still has moves before the killer has a chance to exact his revenge on Marcy.
There is no overtime in the game of murder — only sudden death.
271 pages, ebook
First published October 30, 2014
48 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 1, 2014
What an interesting Christian "who-done-it"! This book is a wonderful read for teens and adults alike. The "Gentleman Quarterback" is the hero that you fall in love with as soon as he appears in the book. But this hero is not perfect, he is human and self-reliant. When Jack meets a Christian woman who is also perfectly human, and trying hard to let God fill in her imperfections, he finds that relying on himself might not get the job done. The love/tension thread that runs through this book makes you wonder who Marcy will end up with- if anyone. When you think you finally have the killer figured out, and just need to see how they figure it out, you'll be surprised again.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
November 3, 2014
Totally enjoyed every minute of Red Zone!! It was an awesome read with just enough romance to keep your heart happy and I must say, I pride myself in always being able to guess, "who done it", but this one kept me stumped! I was really in the dark with who the "bad" guy was! Also happy to say it is well over 200 pages, unlike some other books that surprise you with being only 100 pages -- this one is well worth every penny!! Can't wait to read more from Kelli Hughett, my new favorite romance/suspense author!
November 2, 2014
This book sourprised me! Football would not normally catch my eye but this book definitely was well worth reading. Lots of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another turn/twist pops up! This is an easy read and worth my time. Romance and suspense, all in one. Love that it is Christian based. I am looking forward to more of her books.
November 2, 2014
Kelli Hughett plunged me into the exciting world of football. The suspense was believable and the conclusion did not disappoint!
November 4, 2014
Hard to put this one down because it draws you right in from the beginning! I hope this author will come out with more books!
November 6, 2014
What a debut!
Red Zone is not a football story or a comedy, nor a romance or a suspense. It is all of those wrapped tightly, inextricably, together all into one story in an inimitable way.
Red Zone sizzles with humor from the moment former NFL linebacker Jack meets football mom Marcy, and, of course, Marcy’s kids are constant grin causers.
The romance sizzles, too. My favorite thing about Red Zone is the way Jack is truly trying to do the right thing by Marcy, to find the right sense of relationship with her at the right time for her and him.
No spoilers from me, but Marcy is truly in danger as she learns some crazy things about her husband’s life before he died. There are scenes where I forgot to breathe for a moment. Or two. Kelli Hughett’s authorial brain works in some deliciously suspenseful ways.
It all takes place in the setting of professional football. I wonder if the author has an “in” to the NFL? At any rate, she obviously loves her some football. Red Zone is realistic enough for the hardest-core football fan.
However, the thing is: Hughett doesn’t write football for the guys and romance for the women, humor for the light-hearted and suspense for the hard-boiled. The football, romance, humor, and suspense are all there because they are a natural part of the story. The faith element is natural to the story as well, and I sense all of these are simply a part of who the author is as a person, as well.
Masterful work!
Red Zone is not a football story or a comedy, nor a romance or a suspense. It is all of those wrapped tightly, inextricably, together all into one story in an inimitable way.
Red Zone sizzles with humor from the moment former NFL linebacker Jack meets football mom Marcy, and, of course, Marcy’s kids are constant grin causers.
The romance sizzles, too. My favorite thing about Red Zone is the way Jack is truly trying to do the right thing by Marcy, to find the right sense of relationship with her at the right time for her and him.
No spoilers from me, but Marcy is truly in danger as she learns some crazy things about her husband’s life before he died. There are scenes where I forgot to breathe for a moment. Or two. Kelli Hughett’s authorial brain works in some deliciously suspenseful ways.
It all takes place in the setting of professional football. I wonder if the author has an “in” to the NFL? At any rate, she obviously loves her some football. Red Zone is realistic enough for the hardest-core football fan.
However, the thing is: Hughett doesn’t write football for the guys and romance for the women, humor for the light-hearted and suspense for the hard-boiled. The football, romance, humor, and suspense are all there because they are a natural part of the story. The faith element is natural to the story as well, and I sense all of these are simply a part of who the author is as a person, as well.
Masterful work!
October 25, 2018
Red Zone, by Kelli Hughett, was about a murder that led to the uncovering of player injuries and everything that was involved in the scandal.
The suspense was written pretty well and there were two characters neck and neck until the end as to who could have done it all.
The character development was a little slow and the characters personalities seemed to be a little inconsistent. Their emotional reactions to certain things didn’t seem to match their initial personality descriptions.
The storyline was good and well-written out for the most part and everything came together nicely at the end. The middle of the book did tend to drag a lot in places, but I liked that Kelli kept the mystery behind the character involved with the murder. It kept you guessing and changing your mind as to which guy was involved.
Also, one other note, for a Christian Fiction novel the cover comes across as erotic and I’m sure the author doesn’t want it construed that way. It could be just me, but the cover doesn’t scream Christian Fiction to me and may turn away readers for that reason.
Overall, Red Zone was a good story.
The suspense was written pretty well and there were two characters neck and neck until the end as to who could have done it all.
The character development was a little slow and the characters personalities seemed to be a little inconsistent. Their emotional reactions to certain things didn’t seem to match their initial personality descriptions.
The storyline was good and well-written out for the most part and everything came together nicely at the end. The middle of the book did tend to drag a lot in places, but I liked that Kelli kept the mystery behind the character involved with the murder. It kept you guessing and changing your mind as to which guy was involved.
Also, one other note, for a Christian Fiction novel the cover comes across as erotic and I’m sure the author doesn’t want it construed that way. It could be just me, but the cover doesn’t scream Christian Fiction to me and may turn away readers for that reason.
Overall, Red Zone was a good story.
June 16, 2018
I'm not a sports fan so wouldn't pick up a book because the hero is a football player. I'm also not a fan of celebrity characters, so the football player's renown didn't attract me. However, those elements didn't detract in any way from the mystery or the romance. The characters were two unique individuals falling in love while trying to solve a mystery. The villain was a surprise.
One thing that had me shaking my head, though, was their visit to the Smithsonian when they were in New York. As far as I know, the Smithsonian is in Washington, DC, so the visit to the Smithsonian in New York drew me out of the story.
One thing that had me shaking my head, though, was their visit to the Smithsonian when they were in New York. As far as I know, the Smithsonian is in Washington, DC, so the visit to the Smithsonian in New York drew me out of the story.
November 17, 2014
Enter the world of NFL players, trainers, and a few peripheral figures. This book is as nail-biting as a close game between rival teams.
Jack Briggs is a retired NFL player, who at the height of his career, suffered a career-ending injury. He's still trying to find life after football.
Marcy Farris is trying to find life after her husband's unexpected suicide. She blames herself for not being the wife he wanted and needed. But she's surrounded by men who would gladly take her husband's place, including his brother, another close friend, and Jack. Is one of them trying to kill her? Is it because of the information she stumbled across after her husband's death?
I thoroughly enjoyed Red Zone--the story, the writing style, the suspense. I've not followed any football teams in recent years, but the glimpse of life behind the uniforms was fascinating. Jack Briggs is the kind of man we wish all professional players would be. He's a gentleman who encourages kids and protects the ones he loves. And we feel for him as he tries to figure out a new path for his life after living and breathing football for so many years. And my heart went out to Marcy Farris, cheering on her son in his high school football, trying hard to put the pieces of her life back together after finding her husband dead of an overdose of pills. She's a great, loving mom with a deep need for love and affirmation.
One of the things I liked about Kelli Hughett's writing style was her descriptive phrases, which struck me as creative and appropriate to the characters.
I look forward to reading more by this author and I think anyone who enjoys the game of football would find this book interesting and riveting.
Jack Briggs is a retired NFL player, who at the height of his career, suffered a career-ending injury. He's still trying to find life after football.
Marcy Farris is trying to find life after her husband's unexpected suicide. She blames herself for not being the wife he wanted and needed. But she's surrounded by men who would gladly take her husband's place, including his brother, another close friend, and Jack. Is one of them trying to kill her? Is it because of the information she stumbled across after her husband's death?
I thoroughly enjoyed Red Zone--the story, the writing style, the suspense. I've not followed any football teams in recent years, but the glimpse of life behind the uniforms was fascinating. Jack Briggs is the kind of man we wish all professional players would be. He's a gentleman who encourages kids and protects the ones he loves. And we feel for him as he tries to figure out a new path for his life after living and breathing football for so many years. And my heart went out to Marcy Farris, cheering on her son in his high school football, trying hard to put the pieces of her life back together after finding her husband dead of an overdose of pills. She's a great, loving mom with a deep need for love and affirmation.
One of the things I liked about Kelli Hughett's writing style was her descriptive phrases, which struck me as creative and appropriate to the characters.
I look forward to reading more by this author and I think anyone who enjoys the game of football would find this book interesting and riveting.
November 8, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
I confess I’m not fond of football… -indeed, of any sport in particular, unless reading counts as one- so at first I thought I would feel lost because this novel revolves around football and love. But I must admit that this book gave me the energy and adrenaline of the sport, and indeed, even provoked me want to want to watch a game.
Among the many things I liked about this book is the narrative. The author takes us directly into the mind of the characters and feel them intensely. In addition, her writing captivates from the first page and doesn’t let you pause.
The romance was like to enjoy football, with its ups and downs, but always keeping the addictive factor that hooks you with the story. The characters are so different, almost opposite, but somehow manage to unite and make a good team. At the same time, the murder mystery brings an extra ingredient that adds tension and suspense in every scene.
I should also add that I was surprised the final twist in the story, I really did not expected. During my reading I had been raising my own theories about how it might end, but the end was completely unexpected.
This novel has elements that appeal to different readers, so I hope you can give it a try. For me, reading each page has a delicious journey and I hope repeat that again with a new book of this great author.
-I recieved a book from the author but this fact didn't influence the review-
December 6, 2014
This book is a fantastic inspirational who-dun-it! It was such a lovely story with a main character, in Marcy, who you can't help but feel for, and maybe even relate to in some ways. I was hooked from the beginning, I love a good murder mystery and this book fit the bill. This book gives the reader a good mix of light humor and deep emotion from the characters that you will love.
June 29, 2015
Love this book! It's well written. Great characters. Suspenseful plot. Great Christian romance. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for more from Kelli Hughett!
November 4, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Refreshing take on a Christian romantic suspense novel. Highly recommend!
December 29, 2014
A good murder mystery
The author does a good job of blending faith in God with murder and mystery. This was a true page turner.
The author does a good job of blending faith in God with murder and mystery. This was a true page turner.
March 11, 2015
Incredible narrative, with a good romance and mystery... What else do you want?
It was fantastic!
It was fantastic!
July 8, 2018
This was a different kind of book; enjoyable too. There's quite a bit of sexual innuendo but nothing really bad. Sadly, in our day, you could even say that it's normal for much more than what the book included, to happen. Yet the story couldn't have been told without it being shown in some way. The author did a good job of keeping it as clean as it was. The story includes mystery, suspense, heartbreak, joy, and of course, love. The leading character, Marcy, is really down on herself, to the point of depression. Another of the main characters, Jack, is also very depressed and struggling to find meaning for his life. Marcy is a Christian but Jack isn't. Especially due to the trials she's going through, Marcy is having a hard time turning things over to God and trusting Him for her future. She's also struggling to obey God and not get involved with an unsaved man. Jack thinks he doesn't need or want to rely on anyone's strength but his own. These are some of the things we see playing out in this book. It's a good read.
August 20, 2017
2.5 stars. I was feeling generous and rounded up.
The main characters are mostly likable, though all of the characters are a little inconsistent.
The mystery/suspense was good... until it wasn't.
And the premise and plot were great, but the pacing was off. The middle part was repetitive and annoying and dragged on waaaay too long.
So... meh.
The main characters are mostly likable, though all of the characters are a little inconsistent.
The mystery/suspense was good... until it wasn't.
And the premise and plot were great, but the pacing was off. The middle part was repetitive and annoying and dragged on waaaay too long.
So... meh.
February 21, 2018
3.5 to 4 stars.
Good clean Christian suspense/mystery/romance book. I love it when a book surprises me! I thought I had it figured all out much earlier in the book, I was so wrong! So many Christian books tend to follow a formula and end up boring due to that fact. This book was fresh and fun, I will likely read this author again.
Good clean Christian suspense/mystery/romance book. I love it when a book surprises me! I thought I had it figured all out much earlier in the book, I was so wrong! So many Christian books tend to follow a formula and end up boring due to that fact. This book was fresh and fun, I will likely read this author again.
August 15, 2019
Jack Briggs is trying to live under the radar, after an injury ended his NFL career. Doing one more job, with a player, then he will get out. Trouble comes with him sitting by Marcy, a young mother of two, of which her son is playing. Mix in murder, attraction to her, and more. Good story.
September 24, 2019
Started out with promise of a good read, but with a few continuity errors and non-Christian kissing scenes it quickly lost its luster. The mystery kept me guessing for awhile but I figured it out about two-thirds through.
July 28, 2017
Red Zone
This is another book I would highly recommend for those who like both mystery and the game of football… American. I loved it!
This is another book I would highly recommend for those who like both mystery and the game of football… American. I loved it!
October 11, 2017
Exciting read!
I couldn't seem to put this down. It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. I do recommend this book.
I couldn't seem to put this down. It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. I do recommend this book.
December 27, 2017
Really good book
If you like suspense with a lot of twists and turns you will love this book. Fast paced and fun book.
If you like suspense with a lot of twists and turns you will love this book. Fast paced and fun book.
January 27, 2018
Look out!
This book was an awesome surprise! I usually don't go for sports books...but this was great! Well written characters, drama, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Enjky!
This book was an awesome surprise! I usually don't go for sports books...but this was great! Well written characters, drama, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Enjky!
July 31, 2016
Suspense and romance wrapped up in one. Marcy finds a dead body and shortly after starts receiving threats, are they connected? Why is someone threatening her? Do they want her dead? Meanwhile there are three men are vying for Marcy's attention, but only one will win her heart, which one will it be? She is unsure of who to trust and feel guilt that she got someone killed because of something she had done. I really enjoyed the interactions between Marcy and Jack, you could feel the connection they had. I also liked the way Jack treated Marcy's children. I was really hoping Jack was the one that Marcy would choose in the end, even though she had history with the other two men and her and Jack had had some bad moments, they felt to be the best suited for one another. The suspense of who was behind the murder, the threats and the death of Marcy's husband really had me wondering through out most of the book, I had it narrowed down to two possible people, it wasn't until just before it was revealed that I was sure who was guilty. I enjoyed how Marcy's faith was portrayed, she didn't shove it in anyone's face, but instead tried to live it and let her actions speak for themselves. Even though the story surrounded football and I didn't understand a lot of the plays that happened on the field I found myself enjoying the story and cheering for Marcy to solve the mystery and things to work out for her. I am happy with the way the story ended.
April 2, 2015
Red Zone is a well thought out book that keeps you engaged. I really enjoyed reading this.
A single mother still hurt by her husband's suicide, clings to her two children as they move forward together. Her son is a promising football player with great potential. By chance she meets a former NFL star pulled from his career by an injury in the prime of his game, but was his injury an accident? The vicious underworld of sports gambling rears it's ugly head. Would someone really go to such an extent to turn the tides in their favor just to win a bet?
Their world turns upside down when a reported is murdered at a football game in the midst of a crowd. How did it happen? Who is the killer? Who will he go after next?
Red Zone was a fun read and I can't wait to see what Hughett comes up with next.
A single mother still hurt by her husband's suicide, clings to her two children as they move forward together. Her son is a promising football player with great potential. By chance she meets a former NFL star pulled from his career by an injury in the prime of his game, but was his injury an accident? The vicious underworld of sports gambling rears it's ugly head. Would someone really go to such an extent to turn the tides in their favor just to win a bet?
Their world turns upside down when a reported is murdered at a football game in the midst of a crowd. How did it happen? Who is the killer? Who will he go after next?
Red Zone was a fun read and I can't wait to see what Hughett comes up with next.
February 4, 2015
have to say I am surprised that I liked this book because it is about football, and anyone that knows me knows that I dislike football and want nothing to do with it. The book is more than football, it is about love and trust and betrayal.
This story kept me reading. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one setting!
This story has many twists and turns that the reader will want to finish it, just to see if you guessed the bad guy right! Well ,I really had no idea who that really was and was totally shocked which makes a great read !
I will definitely be reading her new book!
I was given an ebook copy by Avid Reader Reviews.com in exchange for my honest review.
This story kept me reading. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one setting!
This story has many twists and turns that the reader will want to finish it, just to see if you guessed the bad guy right! Well ,I really had no idea who that really was and was totally shocked which makes a great read !
I will definitely be reading her new book!
I was given an ebook copy by Avid Reader Reviews.com in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2016
This was a really good Christian romantic suspense story. If you love football or merely like it, that's a plus since this involves football players, coaches, trainers, etc. I look forward to reading more books by this debut author, as she writes them.
April 22, 2015
A Great Read!
When it comes to romantic suspense, this book had both in equal measure. The author did an amazing job of keeping multiple suspects in play until the end and the romance, while clean, sizzled. Add in a realistic faith element of trusting God with those we love most, and Red Zone comes highly recommended.
When it comes to romantic suspense, this book had both in equal measure. The author did an amazing job of keeping multiple suspects in play until the end and the romance, while clean, sizzled. Add in a realistic faith element of trusting God with those we love most, and Red Zone comes highly recommended.
January 11, 2017
Clues are cleverly dropped so that at least two suspects remain neck and neck in the running until almost the end. Some of the blurred lines with Christian principles bothered me to the point where I wanted to rewrite a chapter or two of the heroine's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews