What do you think?
Rate this book
Homeland Heroes #2
Minutes to Die
It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.
If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.
If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2020
76 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sleeman
131 books810 followersSUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
August 4, 2020
Minutes to Die is the second book in the Homeland Heroes series and it was a heart-pounding thriller! I found myself drawn into the story early on and I couldn't read fast enough. I loved the main characters and how they had issues from the past they had to overcome.
The mystery was so good! I loved that there was a bit of decoding in the story and enough twists to keep you guessing. The ending was intense and nearly unputdownable. I also loved the heartfelt moment (won't go into details). ;)
All in all, Minutes to Die was amazing and I recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The mystery was so good! I loved that there was a bit of decoding in the story and enough twists to keep you guessing. The ending was intense and nearly unputdownable. I also loved the heartfelt moment (won't go into details). ;)
All in all, Minutes to Die was amazing and I recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
August 9, 2020
An enjoyable race back and forth across the US to stop a terrorist attack. Kiley and Evan's past colors the way they react to the crisis of the moment. This book edges on a thriller with it's tight pacing and high stakes. Loved being back with these characters.
July 24, 2020
"Minutes to Die" is a Christian romantic suspense. The team only had seven days to stop a terrorist threat that could kill millions of people. This did create high suspense, but I was confused by why the main team focused so much on who was going to carry out the attack rather than on trying to determine the target of the attack. I was also baffled by things like why someone would get a tattoo providing the key to a code since usually one tries to hide a code's key. But mostly I was distracted from the suspense because Kiley deserved someone more supportive than Evan. He was a self-centered, manipulative jerk.
Evan promised to be of great help to the team, but he spent most of his free time fantasizing about kissing Kiley rather than looking for ways to help. He was told to make sure that Kiley got enough to eat, drink, and rest, but he didn't even do this simple task. She was professional and very focused on the task of saving millions of lives, but he kept forcing the issue of talking about their relationship even though this could have waited the seven days until the job was done. He demanded that they talk about it even when he knew it would upset her and disrupt the much-needed nap she was about to take or pull her focus from tailing the bad guy.
He also undermined her authority by questioning her plans and refusing to follow her orders several times. Twice, he tackled her to the ground when someone shot at them, preventing her from doing her job. Yet Evan was very, very dismissive of Kiley's concern when he did something dangerous. He justified all of his behavior as acceptable because he "loved" her so much, and a member of Kiley's team said the same. This caused Kiley to start doubting everything she did. It wasn't until Kiley finally agreed to consider a relationship with Evan that he suddenly became supportive, telling her what a good job she's doing and saying they needed to stay focused on the job. I would have been more impressed if he'd been that way from the start rather than waiting until 24 hours before the terrorist attack.
At one point, Evan suddenly grabbed and kissed Kiley. It was such an Amazing Kiss that they're convinced they need to get married. Kiley convinced herself that this feeling must be love. Pretty sure that Amazing Kisses and a disrespectful, controlling attitude aren't mentioned anywhere in the Bible when defining love, though. Kiley struggled with forgiving Evan and trusting God with her loved ones. There was no sex or bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Evan promised to be of great help to the team, but he spent most of his free time fantasizing about kissing Kiley rather than looking for ways to help. He was told to make sure that Kiley got enough to eat, drink, and rest, but he didn't even do this simple task. She was professional and very focused on the task of saving millions of lives, but he kept forcing the issue of talking about their relationship even though this could have waited the seven days until the job was done. He demanded that they talk about it even when he knew it would upset her and disrupt the much-needed nap she was about to take or pull her focus from tailing the bad guy.
He also undermined her authority by questioning her plans and refusing to follow her orders several times. Twice, he tackled her to the ground when someone shot at them, preventing her from doing her job. Yet Evan was very, very dismissive of Kiley's concern when he did something dangerous. He justified all of his behavior as acceptable because he "loved" her so much, and a member of Kiley's team said the same. This caused Kiley to start doubting everything she did. It wasn't until Kiley finally agreed to consider a relationship with Evan that he suddenly became supportive, telling her what a good job she's doing and saying they needed to stay focused on the job. I would have been more impressed if he'd been that way from the start rather than waiting until 24 hours before the terrorist attack.
At one point, Evan suddenly grabbed and kissed Kiley. It was such an Amazing Kiss that they're convinced they need to get married. Kiley convinced herself that this feeling must be love. Pretty sure that Amazing Kisses and a disrespectful, controlling attitude aren't mentioned anywhere in the Bible when defining love, though. Kiley struggled with forgiving Evan and trusting God with her loved ones. There was no sex or bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 2, 2020
A nail biter from page 1! The Pressure is on.
The covers in this series are striking. The silhouettes are very James Bondish and the title, MINUTES TO DIE conveys the urgency of the story.
FBI agent Kiley Dawson and ICE agent Evan Bowers haven’t seen each other since an operation went bad six years ago. They are thrown together when their present cases converge. Ms. Sleeman does a great job of showing the tension in their reunion and how each of them has grown in their faith in the interim. Not only do they have to overcome old hurts, the current situation ramps up when a threat looms towards the anniversary of 9/11, just days from the start of the book.
“Kiley didn’t know if they could even find the target, but God knew, and Kiley closed her eyes to pray for divine intervention in a situation that seemed impossible.”
The plot of a terrorist threat is not new but Ms. Sleeman brings a fresh slant to it when she gives us a look at how things work on an inter-agency task force. : “Everyone in the room knew the clock was ticking down faster than their answers were appearing, and the pressure was nearly unbearable.”
Don’t miss this book if you want to read authentic, up-to-the-minute suspense about law enforcement agencies with realistic characters. This book is very well researched.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The covers in this series are striking. The silhouettes are very James Bondish and the title, MINUTES TO DIE conveys the urgency of the story.
FBI agent Kiley Dawson and ICE agent Evan Bowers haven’t seen each other since an operation went bad six years ago. They are thrown together when their present cases converge. Ms. Sleeman does a great job of showing the tension in their reunion and how each of them has grown in their faith in the interim. Not only do they have to overcome old hurts, the current situation ramps up when a threat looms towards the anniversary of 9/11, just days from the start of the book.
“Kiley didn’t know if they could even find the target, but God knew, and Kiley closed her eyes to pray for divine intervention in a situation that seemed impossible.”
The plot of a terrorist threat is not new but Ms. Sleeman brings a fresh slant to it when she gives us a look at how things work on an inter-agency task force. : “Everyone in the room knew the clock was ticking down faster than their answers were appearing, and the pressure was nearly unbearable.”
Don’t miss this book if you want to read authentic, up-to-the-minute suspense about law enforcement agencies with realistic characters. This book is very well researched.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
December 8, 2021
There are two reasons I've waited so long to read this book: 1) I'm not a huge fan of terrorist plot tropes and 2) I'm also not a fan of the heroine blaming the hero for her former partner's death. But, this is Susan Sleeman and I finally gave into temptation and am I ever glad I did because the author delivers a compelling read on both counts.
The suspense plot is tense and intricate and convoluted and takes every bit of energy Kiley and her team have and then some. I'll admit to sometimes being left in the dust over technical intricacies or multiple foreign names but that could have been because I listened to the audible edition and that kind of thing is harder for me to keep up with when I'm not seeing the words on the page.
I love Kiley's elite RED team -- their shenanigans bring welcome relief to all the intensity. Each member has a unique talent to bring to the table and they need to pool all their resources to get the job done. I like how Evan was able to fit in with the team, how they had his back even when Kiley was determined to give him the cold shoulder. Lots of interesting dynamics to work through there.
Sigh. And that brings me to Kiley. I wasn't a fan until very close to the end. She was so intent on proving herself in her male-dominated field that she was in danger of making her own costly mistakes (which is ironic since she's so unforgiving towards Evan.) Luckily she has the tough love backing of her team to defuse some intense situations. Mack in particular, got my attention in his adopted brother role and the way he wasn't afraid to call her out when she needed a wake-up call. He brought compassion and levity to some pretty high-pressure moments.
Then there's Evan. The kind of flawed hero I love to root for. He's constantly evolving and improving, anchoring his past, present and future with his faith. I guess I fell for him so hard that Kiley's attitude towards him really irked me. :-) She's on a journey though -- the spiritual kind that brings the cleansing comfort of forgiveness and the freedom to stop judging! Sleeman does a great job of threading all the pieces of Kiley's past together to give insight into why she is the way she is. Lots of character growth but I'm still disgruntled over her behaviour...Wait, does that make me judgemental and unforgiving? Oops!!!!
There's a blockbuster, action-movie-worthy grand finale that stole my breath away. I don't think my heart has settled down to it's normally sedate rhythm yet! And, hooray, the third book in the Homeland Heroes series stars Mack and I'm already in a fan-girling dither as I nudge him to the tippy-top of my TBR pile.
The suspense plot is tense and intricate and convoluted and takes every bit of energy Kiley and her team have and then some. I'll admit to sometimes being left in the dust over technical intricacies or multiple foreign names but that could have been because I listened to the audible edition and that kind of thing is harder for me to keep up with when I'm not seeing the words on the page.
I love Kiley's elite RED team -- their shenanigans bring welcome relief to all the intensity. Each member has a unique talent to bring to the table and they need to pool all their resources to get the job done. I like how Evan was able to fit in with the team, how they had his back even when Kiley was determined to give him the cold shoulder. Lots of interesting dynamics to work through there.
Sigh. And that brings me to Kiley. I wasn't a fan until very close to the end. She was so intent on proving herself in her male-dominated field that she was in danger of making her own costly mistakes (which is ironic since she's so unforgiving towards Evan.) Luckily she has the tough love backing of her team to defuse some intense situations. Mack in particular, got my attention in his adopted brother role and the way he wasn't afraid to call her out when she needed a wake-up call. He brought compassion and levity to some pretty high-pressure moments.
Then there's Evan. The kind of flawed hero I love to root for. He's constantly evolving and improving, anchoring his past, present and future with his faith. I guess I fell for him so hard that Kiley's attitude towards him really irked me. :-) She's on a journey though -- the spiritual kind that brings the cleansing comfort of forgiveness and the freedom to stop judging! Sleeman does a great job of threading all the pieces of Kiley's past together to give insight into why she is the way she is. Lots of character growth but I'm still disgruntled over her behaviour...Wait, does that make me judgemental and unforgiving? Oops!!!!
There's a blockbuster, action-movie-worthy grand finale that stole my breath away. I don't think my heart has settled down to it's normally sedate rhythm yet! And, hooray, the third book in the Homeland Heroes series stars Mack and I'm already in a fan-girling dither as I nudge him to the tippy-top of my TBR pile.
August 2, 2020
This was my first Susan Sleeman book - yes I read book 2 before book 1, but except for the Montgomery case, both books stand on their own. I enjoyed this book enough that I will read more books by this author as well as complete this series. I enjoyed the whole Red team dynamic and how they interacted with each other and the Montgomery case intrigued me. I went back to read book 1 to see what I missed.
This book started out fast and ended fast but in between there was a lot of slow moments. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading but not really made me turn pages till late at night, which I prefer for my suspense reads.
You can definitely see the author did her research on guns and FBI etc processes and explained it well to the reader - a lot of these terms, especially wrt the guns however went a bit above my head but readers who like these type of detail will appreciate all the research that went into this story.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This book started out fast and ended fast but in between there was a lot of slow moments. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading but not really made me turn pages till late at night, which I prefer for my suspense reads.
You can definitely see the author did her research on guns and FBI etc processes and explained it well to the reader - a lot of these terms, especially wrt the guns however went a bit above my head but readers who like these type of detail will appreciate all the research that went into this story.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*
August 3, 2020
If I let it go, God, then what?
I'm a slow reader and for once I was glad about that. It gave me more time to embed myself with Kiley, Evan and the RED team. They're on an adrenaline-laced assignment with very little time to figure out the logistics of who, what, when, and where a monumental terrorist attack is going to occur. Time is ticking and the big question is will they save millions of lives or not?
The analytical and problem-solving techniques incorporated in this type of investigation boggled my mind. I had a hard time keeping up with the ins-and-outs and everyone involved (there are a lot of characters) but still gained a new appreciation for what our federal law enforcement officers might go through and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. I can't imagine having to coordinate something like this and the immense pressure each team member is bound to be under while optimally performing their duties. Sleeman has created a dynamic atmosphere that kept me completely ‘on the scene’.
I'm looking forward to Mack's and Addison's story in Hours to Kill and the conclusion to the ongoing Montgomery Three case that began in book one, Seconds to Live. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense incorporated with faith themes of trust and forgiveness, I definitely recommend Minutes to Die.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2020
'Evan grabbed a rifle as a spark of adrenalin lit in his body. He willed himself to calm down, but the fire sizzled like ignited detcord.'
The elite FBI Red Team has intel that terrorists have been smuggled into the country and are planning an event that will far surpass 9/11. Kiley Dawson heads this mission and must work with ICE Agent Evan Bowers, a man she holds responsible for the death of a fellow agent years ago. Can she set aside these feelings to work with Bowe3rs and prevent this tragedy?
Once again Susan Sleeman proves she just cannot write a bad book. Quite the contrary. From the first few sentences to the riveting climax, this book is pure high-octane suspense. Guaranteed to set your nerves and senses on high alert, Sleeman's writing is pure adrenalin to the system of her readers.
When you read a Susan Sleeman book, you don't just read a terrific book with great characters and and plot, you get an education. She researches police procedures and weaponry to a tee and it brings even more depth to the story. I absolutely love this aspect of her books! Sleeman is a go-to author for me without even reading the synopsis. If her name is on it, I'll read it. Every time. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
The elite FBI Red Team has intel that terrorists have been smuggled into the country and are planning an event that will far surpass 9/11. Kiley Dawson heads this mission and must work with ICE Agent Evan Bowers, a man she holds responsible for the death of a fellow agent years ago. Can she set aside these feelings to work with Bowe3rs and prevent this tragedy?
Once again Susan Sleeman proves she just cannot write a bad book. Quite the contrary. From the first few sentences to the riveting climax, this book is pure high-octane suspense. Guaranteed to set your nerves and senses on high alert, Sleeman's writing is pure adrenalin to the system of her readers.
When you read a Susan Sleeman book, you don't just read a terrific book with great characters and and plot, you get an education. She researches police procedures and weaponry to a tee and it brings even more depth to the story. I absolutely love this aspect of her books! Sleeman is a go-to author for me without even reading the synopsis. If her name is on it, I'll read it. Every time. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
July 24, 2020
Exposed. Kiley felt exposed. Standing there. In the dark. Waiting. Waiting.
And with that, we're off to another explosive installment to the Homeland Heroes series! Smuggled terrorists, a threat bigger than 9/11, and a race against time is what FBI agent Kiley Dawson and her team face in this fast-paced suspense novel. She also must face ICE agent Evan Bowers, the very man she blamed for the death of her former partner years ago. But when the truth comes out, can she also fight the attraction that's been under the surface? Only time will tell if she can stop both the threat against the country & her heart.
Sleeman has a way with words that makes my heart race when reading her suspense novels. She keeps up the pace with each new development the FBI RED team uncovers & the list of suspects grows. You never know who's really behind it all until the very end, and even then she still surprised me! That's a good writer to me, one that can keep you guessing throughout the book. I also love the camaraderie between each team member and how they worked well together. It's like they can read each other’s minds and their skills mesh perfectly to get the job done. Kiley made a great leader! I like her ability to stay calm when things got tense and kept a sharp focus in spite of her emotions trying to sway her. It was a struggle for her at times, but that's when the team really came together to help. I also loved the moment she was able to forgive Evan & her misconceptions shattered when the truth about the day her partner was killed came out. It freed her heart to love again, and Evan was SO worth the wait. These two were meant to be, in my mind!
I truly enjoyed Minutes to Die; it's everything I love in a romantic suspense. The pacing was perfect, the romantic angst was balanced with the high octane adrenaline of the suspense, and the conclusion was a surprise to me. It kept me on my toes and reading far into the night. Sleeman is a top suspense writer for me and a highly recommended author for lovers of this genre!
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Netgalley and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
And with that, we're off to another explosive installment to the Homeland Heroes series! Smuggled terrorists, a threat bigger than 9/11, and a race against time is what FBI agent Kiley Dawson and her team face in this fast-paced suspense novel. She also must face ICE agent Evan Bowers, the very man she blamed for the death of her former partner years ago. But when the truth comes out, can she also fight the attraction that's been under the surface? Only time will tell if she can stop both the threat against the country & her heart.
Sleeman has a way with words that makes my heart race when reading her suspense novels. She keeps up the pace with each new development the FBI RED team uncovers & the list of suspects grows. You never know who's really behind it all until the very end, and even then she still surprised me! That's a good writer to me, one that can keep you guessing throughout the book. I also love the camaraderie between each team member and how they worked well together. It's like they can read each other’s minds and their skills mesh perfectly to get the job done. Kiley made a great leader! I like her ability to stay calm when things got tense and kept a sharp focus in spite of her emotions trying to sway her. It was a struggle for her at times, but that's when the team really came together to help. I also loved the moment she was able to forgive Evan & her misconceptions shattered when the truth about the day her partner was killed came out. It freed her heart to love again, and Evan was SO worth the wait. These two were meant to be, in my mind!
I truly enjoyed Minutes to Die; it's everything I love in a romantic suspense. The pacing was perfect, the romantic angst was balanced with the high octane adrenaline of the suspense, and the conclusion was a surprise to me. It kept me on my toes and reading far into the night. Sleeman is a top suspense writer for me and a highly recommended author for lovers of this genre!
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Netgalley and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
July 26, 2020
A book that is so real, it felt like we are on the team, and often holding your breath, expecting the next shoe to drop, hoping it is not too late.
We are transported across our country, from coast to coast, and all the while trying to figure out the target of these culprits, and hoping that the team and all that are helping will be in time.
The main characters FBI Kiley and ICE Even end up back together, there is friction between them, and God's hand is needed, forgiveness. Can these two work together for the good of our Country? Will all of these agencies be able to put their egos aside for the greater good.
In the end will everyone be in time, and this horrible threat and hate be thwarted. You are about to embark on a journey to save the lives of many, and hope those who serve will be alive at the end.
Yes, this one quickly became a page turner!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany Huuse, and was not required to give a positive review.
We are transported across our country, from coast to coast, and all the while trying to figure out the target of these culprits, and hoping that the team and all that are helping will be in time.
The main characters FBI Kiley and ICE Even end up back together, there is friction between them, and God's hand is needed, forgiveness. Can these two work together for the good of our Country? Will all of these agencies be able to put their egos aside for the greater good.
In the end will everyone be in time, and this horrible threat and hate be thwarted. You are about to embark on a journey to save the lives of many, and hope those who serve will be alive at the end.
Yes, this one quickly became a page turner!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany Huuse, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 28, 2020
3.5 stars
"I'm always reminded of God . . . But tonight. After everything. Minutes from death. It reminds me He's infinite when life is finite."
Minutes count.
After receiving disturbing intel from a confidential informant, who was summarily dispatched, FBI agent Kiley Dawson quickly activates her team of elite professionals to track down members of a terrorist cell who have devised a plan to put millions of American lives at risk. The FBI knows when, they just don't know where. When Kiley's case happens to intersect with ICE agent Evan Bower, she determines to push aside their differences long enough to appreciate what Evan's highly trained skill set has to offer. Furiously pursuing every possible lead, the agents crisscross the country . . . . meanwhile the timer continues to tick, and Kiley's determination to shut out any latent attraction to Evan, begins to disintegrate.
The title alone should alert readers to the fact that this story is going to start fast and accelerate quickly. Fascinating? Complicated? A little unnerving? Absolutely. However, what I appreciated the most was getting to know Kiley and Evan. They learn a lot about themselves; especially the fact that everyone makes mistakes, even when the consequences are as crucial as life or death. . . .ultimately, the power of forgiveness becomes a beautiful thing.
"Forgiveness . . . the word sprang to mind as it often had . . . could she forgive Evan? Was he even at fault . . . or was she unwilling to take her share of blame? Blaming Evan was much easier . . . maybe all of it was one of those situations God allowed . . "
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"I'm always reminded of God . . . But tonight. After everything. Minutes from death. It reminds me He's infinite when life is finite."
Minutes count.
After receiving disturbing intel from a confidential informant, who was summarily dispatched, FBI agent Kiley Dawson quickly activates her team of elite professionals to track down members of a terrorist cell who have devised a plan to put millions of American lives at risk. The FBI knows when, they just don't know where. When Kiley's case happens to intersect with ICE agent Evan Bower, she determines to push aside their differences long enough to appreciate what Evan's highly trained skill set has to offer. Furiously pursuing every possible lead, the agents crisscross the country . . . . meanwhile the timer continues to tick, and Kiley's determination to shut out any latent attraction to Evan, begins to disintegrate.
The title alone should alert readers to the fact that this story is going to start fast and accelerate quickly. Fascinating? Complicated? A little unnerving? Absolutely. However, what I appreciated the most was getting to know Kiley and Evan. They learn a lot about themselves; especially the fact that everyone makes mistakes, even when the consequences are as crucial as life or death. . . .ultimately, the power of forgiveness becomes a beautiful thing.
"Forgiveness . . . the word sprang to mind as it often had . . . could she forgive Evan? Was he even at fault . . . or was she unwilling to take her share of blame? Blaming Evan was much easier . . . maybe all of it was one of those situations God allowed . . "
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
April 26, 2021
It was interesting but it lack something for me. It was a bit repetitive, no romance and narration was absolutely awful! I just wanted to know what happened next so I kept reading but it was very unsatisfying
September 22, 2020
“Lives depend on you thinking with your head, not your heart.”
In this second book of the Homeland Heroes series, Sleeman delves into the fight against terrorism on U.S. soil. As an FBI agent on the elite RED team, Kiley is used to being more involved in cyber crime. However, the death of her CI brings her into the position of team leader in a race against an imminent terrorist threat. Sleeman did an amazing procedural into the dynamics of agencies working together to stop a catastrophic event. As Evan ends up working with the team from his position as an ICE agent, I found he really made the story come to life. I loved his heart for justice, Kiley and how he tried to help the team. Kiley was very hard on him and the team as she struggled with her position as team leader. However, stepping into that position in a high stress investigation, as well as grieving her CI loss, would definitely impact how she handled everything. While I enjoyed the race against time and the romantic element between Kiley and Evan, I struggled with liking Kiley’s character. Her bossiness was a little over the top and her unforgiveness took awhile to grasp with Evan. Overall, the story was a good read on how a team has to work together in the behind the scenes world of antiterrorism. The romance was a slow build, but really dealt with how much unforgiveness and bitterness can impact relationships, personal and as a team. Though I struggled with the slow buildup of the story, I was absolutely riveted by the ending and found the resolution of the story exceeded my expectations.
“They climbed the exterior stairway. Step by step. Silent. Efficient. Lethal.”
If your looking for a truly behind the scenes look into an imminent threat and how agencies work together, I think you’d love this book. The romance is light, but had a wonderful thread of forgiveness. Sleeman really helped my understanding of the psychology behind why people become terrorists. There were some really interesting areas of FBI, counterterrorism, and ICE work that caught my attention.
“Behavioral analysts have learned that terrorists always have a grievance, and it’s often based on actual pain or injustice.”
I’m looking forward to the underlying thread that impacts the whole team being resolved in the next book of this series. If you love this style of read, you may enjoy Lisa Phillips series the Northwest Counter-Terrorism Task Force. Both highlight the effectiveness of teamwork in protecting our nation.
I received an advanced reader copy through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
In this second book of the Homeland Heroes series, Sleeman delves into the fight against terrorism on U.S. soil. As an FBI agent on the elite RED team, Kiley is used to being more involved in cyber crime. However, the death of her CI brings her into the position of team leader in a race against an imminent terrorist threat. Sleeman did an amazing procedural into the dynamics of agencies working together to stop a catastrophic event. As Evan ends up working with the team from his position as an ICE agent, I found he really made the story come to life. I loved his heart for justice, Kiley and how he tried to help the team. Kiley was very hard on him and the team as she struggled with her position as team leader. However, stepping into that position in a high stress investigation, as well as grieving her CI loss, would definitely impact how she handled everything. While I enjoyed the race against time and the romantic element between Kiley and Evan, I struggled with liking Kiley’s character. Her bossiness was a little over the top and her unforgiveness took awhile to grasp with Evan. Overall, the story was a good read on how a team has to work together in the behind the scenes world of antiterrorism. The romance was a slow build, but really dealt with how much unforgiveness and bitterness can impact relationships, personal and as a team. Though I struggled with the slow buildup of the story, I was absolutely riveted by the ending and found the resolution of the story exceeded my expectations.
“They climbed the exterior stairway. Step by step. Silent. Efficient. Lethal.”
If your looking for a truly behind the scenes look into an imminent threat and how agencies work together, I think you’d love this book. The romance is light, but had a wonderful thread of forgiveness. Sleeman really helped my understanding of the psychology behind why people become terrorists. There were some really interesting areas of FBI, counterterrorism, and ICE work that caught my attention.
“Behavioral analysts have learned that terrorists always have a grievance, and it’s often based on actual pain or injustice.”
I’m looking forward to the underlying thread that impacts the whole team being resolved in the next book of this series. If you love this style of read, you may enjoy Lisa Phillips series the Northwest Counter-Terrorism Task Force. Both highlight the effectiveness of teamwork in protecting our nation.
I received an advanced reader copy through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
August 3, 2020
Another long awaited Susan Sleeman book, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Minutes to Die is about Kylie and Evan. Kylie is a member of the RED team and the only female member. While Evan is an ICE agent, who is dealing with a terrorist threat. Both Kylie and Evan are thrown in an investigation together that can determine whether or not millions of people die from a terrorist attack. Unfortunately, Kylie is still furious with Evan about the death of her teammate. She holds him accountable, and while she will work with him, she makes it very clear that she does not trust him.
Minutes to Die was such a good book, and I really liked seeing Kylie and Evan’s story. Kylie was definitely an interesting character because while trying hard to be a confident and excellent agent, she was extremely insecure. I liked the fact that you were able to see how hard it was for her to be confident and strong. I also adored her relationship with Mack. He has become my new favorite character through this book, and it was so fascinating to see how all the teammates worked the balance of being friends and agents.
Evan had a whole different dynamic with Kylie than her teammates, and one that I extremely liked. He supported her while making it clear that she didn’t need him to support her. In this world, it can seem like if a man protects a woman then they are thought of as weak and unable to help themselves However, I think Ms. Sleeman made it clear that Evan loved Kylie enough to protect her and to encourage her, and I’m really glad that she made that distinction.
The suspense was also very entertaining. While I had read books about terrorist before, I enjoyed seeing this different perspective. I already had a ton of respect for law enforcement officers, but this just increased my respect even more. One thing that I was sad about was that Taylor was not really in the book, but I can see how it didn’t really make sense in the story for her to be there. This was a great book that I would definitely recommend. It had minimal gore and only some intense scenes, and it was very clean. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Minutes to Die was such a good book, and I really liked seeing Kylie and Evan’s story. Kylie was definitely an interesting character because while trying hard to be a confident and excellent agent, she was extremely insecure. I liked the fact that you were able to see how hard it was for her to be confident and strong. I also adored her relationship with Mack. He has become my new favorite character through this book, and it was so fascinating to see how all the teammates worked the balance of being friends and agents.
Evan had a whole different dynamic with Kylie than her teammates, and one that I extremely liked. He supported her while making it clear that she didn’t need him to support her. In this world, it can seem like if a man protects a woman then they are thought of as weak and unable to help themselves However, I think Ms. Sleeman made it clear that Evan loved Kylie enough to protect her and to encourage her, and I’m really glad that she made that distinction.
The suspense was also very entertaining. While I had read books about terrorist before, I enjoyed seeing this different perspective. I already had a ton of respect for law enforcement officers, but this just increased my respect even more. One thing that I was sad about was that Taylor was not really in the book, but I can see how it didn’t really make sense in the story for her to be there. This was a great book that I would definitely recommend. It had minimal gore and only some intense scenes, and it was very clean. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 4, 2020
MINUTES TO DIE by Susan Sleeman is the second book in the Homeland Heroes series. It’s the edge of your seat reading book about FBI Special agent Kiley Dawsome, RED team leader, ICE Agent Evan Bowers and a terroristic threat to this nation that could end up being worse than 9/11.
When Kiley’s confidential informant, Firuzeh Abed was gunned down by a sniper at a meet up where she was to give information about an imminent terrorist threat that was said to make 9/11 pale in comparison, she was determined to bring the Abed family justice for her murder and to keep the family safe from harm. Kiley has only Firuzeh’s dying words to go on – Port, coma and Box 342. Will it be enough to stop this terrorist threat that is said to place millions of United States citizen in danger?
ICE Agent Evan Bowers has had lots of experience with protecting this nation and its people from working as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the Navy in Special Forces like the SEALS & Rangers as well as with Secret Service and State Department to protect our highest officials. He’s now with JTTF – Joint Terrorism Task Force – following clues on high ranking terrorist being smuggled into this country. Is it possible that the case he is working is connected to Kiley’s case?
Kiley and Evan have a past history – all of it not good. When they were working together and Evan was in the lead when a fellow agent - Kiley’s partner, was killed. Kiley has always blamed Even for his death harboring ill feelings towards him. In the past, there had been an attraction, a spark, between them. That all ended with Olin’s death. When they find themselves face to face again working together, can they the put the past behind them to work on a common goal? They have to because their country and millions of lives depend on them!
MINUTES TO DIE is a fabulous face-paced, edge of your seat story that you won’t be able to put down. From page one, Susan Sleeman grabs your attention, with her wonderful storyline and attention to detail, and your heart, with an underlying romance brewing, and gives them both a work out. It will leave you exhausted from the rush, ecstatic for the people that defend our country with such devotion to bring those on the wrong side of the law to justice - like the RED team where each plays a small part like a spoke in a wheel knowing that the wheel can’t roll without all its parts, and leaves you smiling and anxious for the third book in this series.
Loved the Christian thread throughout the book. Especially this quote:
“No one has power over you unless you give it to them. You are in control of your life and your choices. Decide your own future.
Sure, God is ultimately in control, but if her day-to-day actions fell within His well, they were hers to command.”
I would most definitely highly recommend MINUTES TO DIE by Susan Sleeman to anyone that loves a Christian, exciting, true to life book that will leave you wanting more from this amazing author. Although part of a series, MINUTES TO DIE can definitely be read as a standalone book. It gets my 5+ stars!
When Kiley’s confidential informant, Firuzeh Abed was gunned down by a sniper at a meet up where she was to give information about an imminent terrorist threat that was said to make 9/11 pale in comparison, she was determined to bring the Abed family justice for her murder and to keep the family safe from harm. Kiley has only Firuzeh’s dying words to go on – Port, coma and Box 342. Will it be enough to stop this terrorist threat that is said to place millions of United States citizen in danger?
ICE Agent Evan Bowers has had lots of experience with protecting this nation and its people from working as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the Navy in Special Forces like the SEALS & Rangers as well as with Secret Service and State Department to protect our highest officials. He’s now with JTTF – Joint Terrorism Task Force – following clues on high ranking terrorist being smuggled into this country. Is it possible that the case he is working is connected to Kiley’s case?
Kiley and Evan have a past history – all of it not good. When they were working together and Evan was in the lead when a fellow agent - Kiley’s partner, was killed. Kiley has always blamed Even for his death harboring ill feelings towards him. In the past, there had been an attraction, a spark, between them. That all ended with Olin’s death. When they find themselves face to face again working together, can they the put the past behind them to work on a common goal? They have to because their country and millions of lives depend on them!
MINUTES TO DIE is a fabulous face-paced, edge of your seat story that you won’t be able to put down. From page one, Susan Sleeman grabs your attention, with her wonderful storyline and attention to detail, and your heart, with an underlying romance brewing, and gives them both a work out. It will leave you exhausted from the rush, ecstatic for the people that defend our country with such devotion to bring those on the wrong side of the law to justice - like the RED team where each plays a small part like a spoke in a wheel knowing that the wheel can’t roll without all its parts, and leaves you smiling and anxious for the third book in this series.
Loved the Christian thread throughout the book. Especially this quote:
“No one has power over you unless you give it to them. You are in control of your life and your choices. Decide your own future.
Sure, God is ultimately in control, but if her day-to-day actions fell within His well, they were hers to command.”
I would most definitely highly recommend MINUTES TO DIE by Susan Sleeman to anyone that loves a Christian, exciting, true to life book that will leave you wanting more from this amazing author. Although part of a series, MINUTES TO DIE can definitely be read as a standalone book. It gets my 5+ stars!
August 31, 2021
FINALLY!!!!! Oh god! I had very very hard time finishing this book. I kept groaning page by page. So many times I thought of giving up. But damn my ocd! It was torture.
First of all don't write Muslim character if you don't know what you're doing. We're touchy like that. At one point she "tried" to describe our scarf ritual. How Mrs abed didn't wear her scarf because she was inside the house when kiley and Mack went to talk to them. No Susan, we don't wear scarf as you say because of outside/inside. If mack was there thn it was more normal for her to wear Hijab even she's inside. It depends on people not where you are!!
This writer's one of those people who think Terrorist=Muslims.
The mystery was soooo boring.
We have more Muslim countries thn Iran, Iraq and India fyi.
Kiley acted like high school class president. When you give a kid some responsibility. They act ultra serious and treat everyone like they have something to prove. I couldn't help but cringe sometimes.
How on earth she held Evans responsible for Olin's death? This thing happens in this line of work. You have to accept that. But she held him responsible personally. Wtf? Do you think it doesn't effect people mentally if you keep telling someone that people died because of him? That was very petty and disturbing. At one point I felt like if the lightning striked Kiley would have blamed Evans for that.
It was my first and maybe last book of this author. I do have the 3rd book of this series and hoping that I didn't like this one cause it involved so many stereotypes. So maybe if I ever convince myself to read the other one...... highly unlikely tho.
First of all don't write Muslim character if you don't know what you're doing. We're touchy like that. At one point she "tried" to describe our scarf ritual. How Mrs abed didn't wear her scarf because she was inside the house when kiley and Mack went to talk to them. No Susan, we don't wear scarf as you say because of outside/inside. If mack was there thn it was more normal for her to wear Hijab even she's inside. It depends on people not where you are!!
This writer's one of those people who think Terrorist=Muslims.
The mystery was soooo boring.
We have more Muslim countries thn Iran, Iraq and India fyi.
Kiley acted like high school class president. When you give a kid some responsibility. They act ultra serious and treat everyone like they have something to prove. I couldn't help but cringe sometimes.
How on earth she held Evans responsible for Olin's death? This thing happens in this line of work. You have to accept that. But she held him responsible personally. Wtf? Do you think it doesn't effect people mentally if you keep telling someone that people died because of him? That was very petty and disturbing. At one point I felt like if the lightning striked Kiley would have blamed Evans for that.
It was my first and maybe last book of this author. I do have the 3rd book of this series and hoping that I didn't like this one cause it involved so many stereotypes. So maybe if I ever convince myself to read the other one...... highly unlikely tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
I liked this novel of suspense incorporating operatives from a number of government agencies. It was interesting to see how the agencies work together. I was a little surprised at the heavy use of surveillance videos in finding the bad guys before they managed to kill millions of people. I had no idea so many businesses and municipalities had so many cameras on street locations. I was also surprised at the advances made with DNA. It can be used to provide physical characteristics which can be compiled into a composite sketch. It is not an exact science and cannot be used in court but what an amazing advance in police procedure.
The characters were developed well in this novel. The main ones, Kiley and Evan, get off to a rough start as they work together on this investigation. That is because this is the second in a series and both characters still have strong feelings from events in the first novel. While this one can be read alone, the full impact of the development of their relationship will not be appreciated without reading the previous novel.
One pet peeve from this reader. Kiley “marched” several times to her next location. I should have counted them but I noticed at least twice in two chapters, 13 and 16. And I cannot tell you how many times Kiley had acid in her stomach during a tense time. A little editing of those repetitive aspects would had helped my enjoyment of the author's writing style.
All in all, this is a good romantic suspense. While there are a couple of desperate prayers to God during the last heightened suspense, there is nothing else really Christian about the novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The characters were developed well in this novel. The main ones, Kiley and Evan, get off to a rough start as they work together on this investigation. That is because this is the second in a series and both characters still have strong feelings from events in the first novel. While this one can be read alone, the full impact of the development of their relationship will not be appreciated without reading the previous novel.
One pet peeve from this reader. Kiley “marched” several times to her next location. I should have counted them but I noticed at least twice in two chapters, 13 and 16. And I cannot tell you how many times Kiley had acid in her stomach during a tense time. A little editing of those repetitive aspects would had helped my enjoyment of the author's writing style.
All in all, this is a good romantic suspense. While there are a couple of desperate prayers to God during the last heightened suspense, there is nothing else really Christian about the novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 17, 2020
The second in Susan Sleeman’s Homeland Heroes series, Minutes to Die begins with a shooting of, RED team member, Kiley’s confidential informant. The case swiftly expands to a national terrorist threat and Evan, an ICE agent and bomb specialist, joins the team in this race against the clock.
The plot is well-thought through with interesting characters, multiple sub-plots and an unexpected conclusion. Susan had me guessing the whole way through. The agents run into several dangerous situations and the pace is swift!
In addition to the investigation, there is a budding romance between Kiley and Evan which died six years ago when their team member died on an op Evan was leading. Kiley holds him responsible. Throughout the novel, the characters wrestle with forgiveness, of others and one’s self. They are challenged by God’s forgiveness of us and Susan writes the complexities around this well.
Whilst I recommend reading book one, it’s wonderful, it’s not necessary. I liked Kiley in it though and she grew in this book into a woman easy to relate to! I really enjoyed Evan too, he is more than the “tough guy” persona often cast in this type of role and I enjoyed Susan’s more nuanced approach.
If you enjoy a criminal thriller with a great cast, this one is for you! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
The plot is well-thought through with interesting characters, multiple sub-plots and an unexpected conclusion. Susan had me guessing the whole way through. The agents run into several dangerous situations and the pace is swift!
In addition to the investigation, there is a budding romance between Kiley and Evan which died six years ago when their team member died on an op Evan was leading. Kiley holds him responsible. Throughout the novel, the characters wrestle with forgiveness, of others and one’s self. They are challenged by God’s forgiveness of us and Susan writes the complexities around this well.
Whilst I recommend reading book one, it’s wonderful, it’s not necessary. I liked Kiley in it though and she grew in this book into a woman easy to relate to! I really enjoyed Evan too, he is more than the “tough guy” persona often cast in this type of role and I enjoyed Susan’s more nuanced approach.
If you enjoy a criminal thriller with a great cast, this one is for you! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
September 14, 2020
An act of terror scheduled to happen on 9/11 sends FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and her team scrambling for clues to bring down the terrorists, while the case brings her face to face with a man that she still hasn't forgiven.
A suspense that reads more like a mystery, as the RED Team uncover clues pieces by piece to save countless lives before time runs out. I loved the close knit team, their friendship and how they push each other to be their best. There is great tension between the characters, and I like how Mack encourages her to give Evan a chance.
Evan is a strong Christian man, he wants to do everything he can to be valuable to the mission. I like how he is patient and is willing to step into a potentially awkward situation in order to do his job.
High stakes read, plot driven, with well crafted characters. I loved how this book shows a different side to things than just dodging bullets, but the analytical leg work behind bringing down threats. Hard to put down, laced with suspense. One of my favorite things was the camaraderie between the team members, and I can't wait to revisit them again soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A suspense that reads more like a mystery, as the RED Team uncover clues pieces by piece to save countless lives before time runs out. I loved the close knit team, their friendship and how they push each other to be their best. There is great tension between the characters, and I like how Mack encourages her to give Evan a chance.
Evan is a strong Christian man, he wants to do everything he can to be valuable to the mission. I like how he is patient and is willing to step into a potentially awkward situation in order to do his job.
High stakes read, plot driven, with well crafted characters. I loved how this book shows a different side to things than just dodging bullets, but the analytical leg work behind bringing down threats. Hard to put down, laced with suspense. One of my favorite things was the camaraderie between the team members, and I can't wait to revisit them again soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 25, 2021
The Red Group is at it once again as intel points toward a terrorist group that has come in from outside the United States and is planning a major attack on 9/11 that will kill millions. The minutes are counting down as FBI Agent Kiley Dawson, lead investigator, and ICE Agent Evan Bowers attempt to tie together all the clues and stop the attack. But they face one problem, they have worked a case together before; and an agent was killed for which Kiley blames Evan. Can Kiley forgive Evan in order to stop the terrorists?
With roller coaster ride action from start to finish as the clock counts down to 9/11, this team once again delivers high paced action threaded with a good spiritual thread along with some romance. Great series for anyone who likes suspense with great realistic characters.
With roller coaster ride action from start to finish as the clock counts down to 9/11, this team once again delivers high paced action threaded with a good spiritual thread along with some romance. Great series for anyone who likes suspense with great realistic characters.
August 11, 2020
Susan Sleeman’s RED team returns, and this time, they are in a race to stop a terrorist attack worse than 9/11. And this time, one of the ladies on the team takes the lead.
Kylie is intelligent and tenacious but with a heart seeking justice for the murder of her CI. When the team’s investigation brings them to Washington and the man Kylie blames for the death of her former partners, things get even more personal.
In Minutes to Die, readers race from one side of the US to other along with her characters in an investigation that is intense and deadly. Sleeman has a knack for making me feel like I am part of her teams as they uncover evidence and get closer to their suspects without giving anything away until the perfect time. Add in plenty of romantic tension between Kylie and Evan, and this was one book I devoured.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Kylie is intelligent and tenacious but with a heart seeking justice for the murder of her CI. When the team’s investigation brings them to Washington and the man Kylie blames for the death of her former partners, things get even more personal.
In Minutes to Die, readers race from one side of the US to other along with her characters in an investigation that is intense and deadly. Sleeman has a knack for making me feel like I am part of her teams as they uncover evidence and get closer to their suspects without giving anything away until the perfect time. Add in plenty of romantic tension between Kylie and Evan, and this was one book I devoured.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2021
Very, very good!
These books have lots of action in them and I really enjoy the characters. There are 4 that are the main characters who are part of the RED team. Cyber security experts who also chase terrorist. The focus of this book was on Kiley Dawson as her CI is murdered in front of her. She has to come to turns with unforgiveness from the past and fears that threaten to cripple her. Really enjoyed how the author drove home important aspects that each of us need to exam in our lives.
The story deals with terrorist planning a major attack on the anniversary of 9/11. Ironically enough (and not planned) I finished the book this morning, on 9/11.
If you've read other Sleeman stories, you should enjoy this one. Although, a book 2 in the series it can be read independently of the first one. However, there is a subplot that is woven throughout the series, and to fully appreciate it, you want to read book one!
If you're new to Sleeman, I would recommend this book to get a feel for her style and voice. I find it easy to follow and visualize.
These books have lots of action in them and I really enjoy the characters. There are 4 that are the main characters who are part of the RED team. Cyber security experts who also chase terrorist. The focus of this book was on Kiley Dawson as her CI is murdered in front of her. She has to come to turns with unforgiveness from the past and fears that threaten to cripple her. Really enjoyed how the author drove home important aspects that each of us need to exam in our lives.
The story deals with terrorist planning a major attack on the anniversary of 9/11. Ironically enough (and not planned) I finished the book this morning, on 9/11.
If you've read other Sleeman stories, you should enjoy this one. Although, a book 2 in the series it can be read independently of the first one. However, there is a subplot that is woven throughout the series, and to fully appreciate it, you want to read book one!
If you're new to Sleeman, I would recommend this book to get a feel for her style and voice. I find it easy to follow and visualize.
September 10, 2020
I really liked this book. It was suspenseful and kept me on my toes. They only have 7 days to stop millions of people from dying of a terrorist attack. I did not read the fist book in this series but it was still a good read and I could understand everything perfectly fine. The start of the book was very good but it was a little bit dragged on throughout the middle of the book however I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and plan to read the first book fairly soon.
Want to read
July 1, 2020Sleesman has written another awesome can't put down book that will make you sit on the edge of your seat to see what happens next!
Another reason I liked this story so well was that it raised a few hairs on the back of my neck in some places. In others, I held my breath.
Certain things happen in life that are often out of control and the only thing that we can do is make it right the best way we know how.
I appreciate the way the teams work together and how they respect each other to make things happen.
Great characters and an awesome plot with some pretty cool twits and turns that I didn't see coming. I love surprises like that. I finished the book in one afternoon.
I enjoyed getting to know Kiley and Evan and thought they made an awesome team.
This book deserves 5 stars and more.
My thanks to Netgalley for an awesome read! I highly recommend this book for people who like this genre. It's awesome!
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Another reason I liked this story so well was that it raised a few hairs on the back of my neck in some places. In others, I held my breath.
Certain things happen in life that are often out of control and the only thing that we can do is make it right the best way we know how.
I appreciate the way the teams work together and how they respect each other to make things happen.
Great characters and an awesome plot with some pretty cool twits and turns that I didn't see coming. I love surprises like that. I finished the book in one afternoon.
I enjoyed getting to know Kiley and Evan and thought they made an awesome team.
This book deserves 5 stars and more.
My thanks to Netgalley for an awesome read! I highly recommend this book for people who like this genre. It's awesome!
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
January 19, 2021
**2.5/5 Stars**
Terrorists targeting the United States?
Millions of lives potentially endangered?
One week to stop the attack?
A sprinkling of romance?
Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman seemed right up my alley.
Unfortunately, this book didn't exceed my expectations. It did not even meet them. I had a lot of issues with Minutes to Die , the second installment of Susan Sleeman's Homeland Heroes series. The premise was good: We must save the country before it's too late! I've enjoyed what I call "America is the best; go kill the terrorists" novels since I first picked up Vince Flynn and Brad Thor in high school. Susan Sleeman's not anywhere near their skill level.
I could tell she had thoroughly researched before writing Minutes to Die . But when Sleeman dropped FBI acronyms, I almost felt like I was listening to a patronizing professor. It was as if she were trying to impress her readers with her knowledge, and thus she referenced different operating groups. Sleeman could have said the characters sent something to an FBI forensics team. Instead, the author gave the proper title and acronym. I find it unlikely that the characters--all experienced professionals within their respective agencies--would use the proper names. It wouldn't be necessary. I know Sleeman did it for her readers, but she didn't need to specify them at all.
National Security > Romance?
Secondly, the two main characters--Evan and Kiley--have a complicated past. Kiley blames Evan for the death of a colleague, because Evan was in charge of the raid in which the individual died. I didn't find either character relatable, and Evan's insistence on talking to Kiley about the botched raid rubbed me the wrong way. You're facing a terrorist threat. In the real world, I'd like to think an FBI and ICE agent could put their emotions--and attractions aside--for a week to focus on what was important. Minutes to Die is a romantic suspense novel, but I found the romance distracting from the ultimate goal: the safety of U.S. citizens.
Compartmentalization is very important in counterterrorism work. If I'm remembering right, as an example, many individuals working on the mission to kill Osama bin Laden did not know their target's identity. But I don't know if in a situation where millions of American lives are on the line, only one team would be leading the charge in an operation as Sleeman portrays in Minutes to Die . The book mentions that the RED Team has an arsenal of analysts behind them. Fantastic. But the president might have wanted to know about a terrorist threat that big? He wasn't mentioned once.
Exciting but Flawed
I read Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman in one day. It kept me on my toes, and I did not want to put it down. So in the categories of "action" and "suspense," it receives four stars from me. I tired of Sleeman's writing style in this novel. Multiple characters said or thought "Oh, man," and it annoyed me. Also, I know this is a Christian novel, but I found it unlikely that there'd be no swearing involved...anywhere. You can hint at swearing without actually doing it; Sleeman avoided any mention of foul language. Not even "He wanted to swear but held his tongue."
Something else that bothered me: Sleeman had too many terrorists with similar names. Most of their names ended with an I. As I read the novel, I mixed up characters, and couldn't remember who they were. What they had done. Was X the one who got shot, or was it Y? Was A the one who owned the business, or did A own the P.O. box? I needed a character glossary to which I could refer, because Sleeman lost me.
Without spoiling anything, something else happened in the novel that absolutely would not have happened in real life. Carelessness with something so important would be acceptable. This knowledge, though, comes from my experience in homeland security, threat assessment, and emergency management. So maybe the general public wouldn't question it. I, on the other hand, said "Absolutely no way."
Final Conclusion: "Needs Improvement"
In conclusion, Minutes to Die was a high-stakes novel, one that kept me turning the pages until I reached the end. Would I recommend it? I'm not sure. Maybe with some fine print, and telling my friends to have a notepad handy to write down the names and actions of the bad guys. Seconds to Live was better.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Terrorists targeting the United States?
Millions of lives potentially endangered?
One week to stop the attack?
A sprinkling of romance?
Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman seemed right up my alley.
Unfortunately, this book didn't exceed my expectations. It did not even meet them. I had a lot of issues with Minutes to Die , the second installment of Susan Sleeman's Homeland Heroes series. The premise was good: We must save the country before it's too late! I've enjoyed what I call "America is the best; go kill the terrorists" novels since I first picked up Vince Flynn and Brad Thor in high school. Susan Sleeman's not anywhere near their skill level.
I could tell she had thoroughly researched before writing Minutes to Die . But when Sleeman dropped FBI acronyms, I almost felt like I was listening to a patronizing professor. It was as if she were trying to impress her readers with her knowledge, and thus she referenced different operating groups. Sleeman could have said the characters sent something to an FBI forensics team. Instead, the author gave the proper title and acronym. I find it unlikely that the characters--all experienced professionals within their respective agencies--would use the proper names. It wouldn't be necessary. I know Sleeman did it for her readers, but she didn't need to specify them at all.
National Security > Romance?
Secondly, the two main characters--Evan and Kiley--have a complicated past. Kiley blames Evan for the death of a colleague, because Evan was in charge of the raid in which the individual died. I didn't find either character relatable, and Evan's insistence on talking to Kiley about the botched raid rubbed me the wrong way. You're facing a terrorist threat. In the real world, I'd like to think an FBI and ICE agent could put their emotions--and attractions aside--for a week to focus on what was important. Minutes to Die is a romantic suspense novel, but I found the romance distracting from the ultimate goal: the safety of U.S. citizens.
Compartmentalization is very important in counterterrorism work. If I'm remembering right, as an example, many individuals working on the mission to kill Osama bin Laden did not know their target's identity. But I don't know if in a situation where millions of American lives are on the line, only one team would be leading the charge in an operation as Sleeman portrays in Minutes to Die . The book mentions that the RED Team has an arsenal of analysts behind them. Fantastic. But the president might have wanted to know about a terrorist threat that big? He wasn't mentioned once.
Exciting but Flawed
I read Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman in one day. It kept me on my toes, and I did not want to put it down. So in the categories of "action" and "suspense," it receives four stars from me. I tired of Sleeman's writing style in this novel. Multiple characters said or thought "Oh, man," and it annoyed me. Also, I know this is a Christian novel, but I found it unlikely that there'd be no swearing involved...anywhere. You can hint at swearing without actually doing it; Sleeman avoided any mention of foul language. Not even "He wanted to swear but held his tongue."
Something else that bothered me: Sleeman had too many terrorists with similar names. Most of their names ended with an I. As I read the novel, I mixed up characters, and couldn't remember who they were. What they had done. Was X the one who got shot, or was it Y? Was A the one who owned the business, or did A own the P.O. box? I needed a character glossary to which I could refer, because Sleeman lost me.
Without spoiling anything, something else happened in the novel that absolutely would not have happened in real life. Carelessness with something so important would be acceptable. This knowledge, though, comes from my experience in homeland security, threat assessment, and emergency management. So maybe the general public wouldn't question it. I, on the other hand, said "Absolutely no way."
Final Conclusion: "Needs Improvement"
In conclusion, Minutes to Die was a high-stakes novel, one that kept me turning the pages until I reached the end. Would I recommend it? I'm not sure. Maybe with some fine print, and telling my friends to have a notepad handy to write down the names and actions of the bad guys. Seconds to Live was better.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 4, 2020
Don’t even think about starting this if you don’t have time to devour it as you will hate putting it down. I found the research impeccable and felt like I was more knowledgeable when finished. Ms. Sleeman is a master at suspense that has you on a thrill ride and when you throw in that added pleasure of romantic tension you have a top notch winner in your hands. This is Book Two in the Homeland Heroes Series and you will not want to miss a moment of these characters. I can’t wait for the next one. I loved the forgiveness aspect contained within the pages and how sometimes what we perceive as truth isn’t reality. Sometimes when you read a book it is hard to describe so therefore I will say it is like being on a roller coaster and the feeling of anticipation followed by the building of the thrill followed by satisfying elation. A definite must read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
August 4, 2020
When Agent Kiley Dawson is meeting with one of her CI's the girl is killed. Kiley is determined to find out who and why her informant was killed. Before her informant died she was able to tell Kiley that what was coming to the US was way more significant than 9/11 and millions of lives were in danger. Kiley requests to be lead on the case so that she can be the one that finds her informants killer.
ICE Agent Evan Bowers is looking into a suspicious container that has come into the port. What he finds is an elaborate set-up that harbors no good! When Agent Kiley and her team arrive they quickly realize that their cases are overlapping. Kiley and Evan used to work together until Evan allowed someone to kill their partner Olin. Kiley has never forgiven Evan and she isn't happy to be working with him now. But for the greater good they must put their past behind them and help each other before it is too late.
I love the RED team in this series. They respect each other and they are elite so they are good at what they do. And they are able to make things happen! I especially liked Kiley and Evan's relationship. It was rocky at first, but then they were able to work through some things and acknowledge the attraction they had for each other. As always the danger was nail-biting! The author always writes realistically and in this case she wrote about terrorism that truly would be more devastating than 9/11. My heart was racing and my stress level was definitely up there with the team as they raced against time to stop this devastating act of violence.
FAVORITE QUOTE:
No one has power over you unless you give it to them. You are in control of your life and your choices. Decide your own future.
I love the details that the author places in her stories. Here is one example:
The process is called phenotyping, Philips explained. Basically, DNA can now be used to provide physical characteristics that are compiled in a composite sketch. There have been great results in locating suspects this way.
Seriously, how cool is that? A sketch from DNA! Who knew?
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series where hopefully the team is able to wrap up the case of The Montgomery Three, a case that has haunted them for several years.
ICE Agent Evan Bowers is looking into a suspicious container that has come into the port. What he finds is an elaborate set-up that harbors no good! When Agent Kiley and her team arrive they quickly realize that their cases are overlapping. Kiley and Evan used to work together until Evan allowed someone to kill their partner Olin. Kiley has never forgiven Evan and she isn't happy to be working with him now. But for the greater good they must put their past behind them and help each other before it is too late.
I love the RED team in this series. They respect each other and they are elite so they are good at what they do. And they are able to make things happen! I especially liked Kiley and Evan's relationship. It was rocky at first, but then they were able to work through some things and acknowledge the attraction they had for each other. As always the danger was nail-biting! The author always writes realistically and in this case she wrote about terrorism that truly would be more devastating than 9/11. My heart was racing and my stress level was definitely up there with the team as they raced against time to stop this devastating act of violence.
FAVORITE QUOTE:
No one has power over you unless you give it to them. You are in control of your life and your choices. Decide your own future.
I love the details that the author places in her stories. Here is one example:
The process is called phenotyping, Philips explained. Basically, DNA can now be used to provide physical characteristics that are compiled in a composite sketch. There have been great results in locating suspects this way.
Seriously, how cool is that? A sketch from DNA! Who knew?
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series where hopefully the team is able to wrap up the case of The Montgomery Three, a case that has haunted them for several years.
August 31, 2021
Loved it! This book is perfect for those looking for a dive into the world of tracking down terrorists! Can't wait to read the last book in the series.
September 8, 2020
Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
______________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes
Susan Sleeman continues her excellent Homeland Heroes series with a complex new story that is a fast-paced race against a faster ticking clock.
I’ll be perfectly honest here and say I was slightly lost at the beginning of this story. I thought it was attached to another series and it wasn’t and I couldn’t figure out why it didn’t make sense. Oh my! After I got my brain unscrambled, I was able to really get into this wonderful book and it’s non-stop tension. Ms. Sleeman begins her story with Red Team FBI Agent Kiley Dawson who is meeting a young woman willing to pass information about a possible terrorist cell. But before the information can change hands, the informant is killed, setting off an investigation that will span the entire US. At the same time, ICE agent Evan Bowers is investigating a suspicions container at the Port of Tacoma. His JTTF team is in charge of ferreting out leads of terrorists coming into the US by unusual means. When their investigations become connected by suspects, both Evan and Kiley will have to work together for the first time in six years. Kiley still blames Evan for her partner Olin’s death while on an op where Evan was lead investigator. But they will have to let go of the past and work together to figure out this puzzle before more people are killed. The threat has listed millions of lives at stake so it will take all that their teams can bring together to find the place of the attack and stop it from happening. As they work the case together, each of them will see that there is more to the other than they first understood. And it will take a situation similar to the past to help Kiley let go of the past and forgive Evan. But Evan has his own demons to chase besides getting Kiley’s forgiveness. If they are going to have a chance at moving forward, both on the case and with each other, they will have to accept the offer of love and forgiveness. They will also have to risk everything they’ve found to stop those responsible for the attack before it’s too late. I read this book almost straight though in one afternoon/evening. It was very engaging with all the dialogue and technical police jargon being used. You really felt like you were in the cars, at the scenes and in the conference rooms working the case alongside the agents. I loved that there was plenty of humanity going on in the story but that it added to the story instead of taking your attention away. Clearly things that happened helped things be seen and evidence be found and it was very realistically written. The supporting characters added a good layer of depth to the story with their comments and conversations. I am really looking forward to finding out Mack’s story whenever that comes to be. The ending of the story was really great and tied up almost all the loose ends perfectly. Some things will probably be answered in the next book but that didn’t make this story seem incomplete. I will certainly be recommending this book and the series to others in the hope that they will love this tension-filled story as I did. Looking forward to the next in the series!
I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
______________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes
Susan Sleeman continues her excellent Homeland Heroes series with a complex new story that is a fast-paced race against a faster ticking clock.
I’ll be perfectly honest here and say I was slightly lost at the beginning of this story. I thought it was attached to another series and it wasn’t and I couldn’t figure out why it didn’t make sense. Oh my! After I got my brain unscrambled, I was able to really get into this wonderful book and it’s non-stop tension. Ms. Sleeman begins her story with Red Team FBI Agent Kiley Dawson who is meeting a young woman willing to pass information about a possible terrorist cell. But before the information can change hands, the informant is killed, setting off an investigation that will span the entire US. At the same time, ICE agent Evan Bowers is investigating a suspicions container at the Port of Tacoma. His JTTF team is in charge of ferreting out leads of terrorists coming into the US by unusual means. When their investigations become connected by suspects, both Evan and Kiley will have to work together for the first time in six years. Kiley still blames Evan for her partner Olin’s death while on an op where Evan was lead investigator. But they will have to let go of the past and work together to figure out this puzzle before more people are killed. The threat has listed millions of lives at stake so it will take all that their teams can bring together to find the place of the attack and stop it from happening. As they work the case together, each of them will see that there is more to the other than they first understood. And it will take a situation similar to the past to help Kiley let go of the past and forgive Evan. But Evan has his own demons to chase besides getting Kiley’s forgiveness. If they are going to have a chance at moving forward, both on the case and with each other, they will have to accept the offer of love and forgiveness. They will also have to risk everything they’ve found to stop those responsible for the attack before it’s too late. I read this book almost straight though in one afternoon/evening. It was very engaging with all the dialogue and technical police jargon being used. You really felt like you were in the cars, at the scenes and in the conference rooms working the case alongside the agents. I loved that there was plenty of humanity going on in the story but that it added to the story instead of taking your attention away. Clearly things that happened helped things be seen and evidence be found and it was very realistically written. The supporting characters added a good layer of depth to the story with their comments and conversations. I am really looking forward to finding out Mack’s story whenever that comes to be. The ending of the story was really great and tied up almost all the loose ends perfectly. Some things will probably be answered in the next book but that didn’t make this story seem incomplete. I will certainly be recommending this book and the series to others in the hope that they will love this tension-filled story as I did. Looking forward to the next in the series!
I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
August 21, 2020
Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman – Suspense and Intrigue that Grabs Your Attention
Minutes to Die was the first book I’ve read by author Susan Sleeman. It’s the second book in the Homeland Heroes series. The storyline is what drew me in.
FBI Agent Kiley Dawson was meeting with a confidential informant on a foggy night in Washington, D.C. Her trusted source had information about a terrorist attack planned for the anniversary of 9/11. As Kiley was arranging for witness protection a gunshot pierced the night and Firuzeh was dead. Now what? Soon Kiley and her team were headed to Tacoma, Washington, and looking into a different case. A container was found at a shipyard that had been used to transport terrorists into the Country. Kylie is reunited with ICE Agent Even Bowers as they join forces to stop a terrorist attack. But the only thing they know for sure is the date of the attack, September 11th, and the clock is ticking.
Minutes to Die got my attention from the get-go and didn’t let up until the end. It’s fast-paced as the characters worked to try and put together the pieces of the puzzle. What kind of terror attack is planned? Where will it occur? Who are the bad guys planning to bring terror and destruction to untold millions and where are they now? Is this case somehow tied to the murder of Firuzeh?
I liked the main characters, Kiley and Evan, and also the team members. Each one has their area of expertise and they worked well together to try and stop the terrorist attack. The team has been together for a while and they know, respect, and trust each other and have each other’s back. They are an asset to Kiley as she takes the lead for the first time in an investigation. The odd man out is Evan. Kiley and Evan have a history and she’s not sure she can get past it.
The details of the investigation were fascinating and it was interesting to learn about different technologies available to help process evidence.
I struggled a bit with Kiley as she seemed to hang on to resentment toward Evan and her mother. Towards the end of the book she does work through the issues she’s been holding on to.
I would have liked to have seen the Christian faith developed greater with Kiley and Evan, something more than just brief arrow prayers in times of danger. There seemed to be an overemphasis on their physical attraction. It seemed a bit much especially in light of the impending terrorist attack.
Despite the things I struggled with, I did like Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman. It was very suspenseful, interesting, and it held my attention to the end. I came away from this wanting to read more of the author’s books.
If you like suspense and intrigue give Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman a try.
I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Minutes to Die was the first book I’ve read by author Susan Sleeman. It’s the second book in the Homeland Heroes series. The storyline is what drew me in.
FBI Agent Kiley Dawson was meeting with a confidential informant on a foggy night in Washington, D.C. Her trusted source had information about a terrorist attack planned for the anniversary of 9/11. As Kiley was arranging for witness protection a gunshot pierced the night and Firuzeh was dead. Now what? Soon Kiley and her team were headed to Tacoma, Washington, and looking into a different case. A container was found at a shipyard that had been used to transport terrorists into the Country. Kylie is reunited with ICE Agent Even Bowers as they join forces to stop a terrorist attack. But the only thing they know for sure is the date of the attack, September 11th, and the clock is ticking.
Minutes to Die got my attention from the get-go and didn’t let up until the end. It’s fast-paced as the characters worked to try and put together the pieces of the puzzle. What kind of terror attack is planned? Where will it occur? Who are the bad guys planning to bring terror and destruction to untold millions and where are they now? Is this case somehow tied to the murder of Firuzeh?
I liked the main characters, Kiley and Evan, and also the team members. Each one has their area of expertise and they worked well together to try and stop the terrorist attack. The team has been together for a while and they know, respect, and trust each other and have each other’s back. They are an asset to Kiley as she takes the lead for the first time in an investigation. The odd man out is Evan. Kiley and Evan have a history and she’s not sure she can get past it.
The details of the investigation were fascinating and it was interesting to learn about different technologies available to help process evidence.
I struggled a bit with Kiley as she seemed to hang on to resentment toward Evan and her mother. Towards the end of the book she does work through the issues she’s been holding on to.
I would have liked to have seen the Christian faith developed greater with Kiley and Evan, something more than just brief arrow prayers in times of danger. There seemed to be an overemphasis on their physical attraction. It seemed a bit much especially in light of the impending terrorist attack.
Despite the things I struggled with, I did like Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman. It was very suspenseful, interesting, and it held my attention to the end. I came away from this wanting to read more of the author’s books.
If you like suspense and intrigue give Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman a try.
I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews