Hours to Kill

Homeland Heroes #3

by Susan Sleeman

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she's attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she's at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he's not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it's clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives.

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2021

About the author

SUSAN 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

Reviews

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tightly plotted book that brings a satisfying conclusion to this series. So much is happening. Mini-guns ready to cross the border (think gatlin gunds). Drug lords wanting more. The three missing girls. A heroine who's lost her memory. And the RED team is back in action. A really enjoyable, page-turner.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“They had to keep the dire consequences foremost in their minds to remember innocent lives depended on them,”
Something big is going down and FBI Agent Addison Leigh has just 6 days to figure out what and where. But she is in an auto accident and loses her short-term memory. Consequently she teams with her estranged husband, US Marshall Mack Jackson and the Red Team she was once a part of.
This is the third installment of the Hometown Heroes series and it is a very intense story. Not only is the team trying to find out about an imminent threat but they are also close to finding three missing girls who they think are caught up in human trafficking.The anxiety is ramped up as is the tension between Mack and Addy who need to sort out their feelings.
What interested me was all the tech innovations. I felt like I was in a James Bond novel with Q explaining all the neat gadgets. I like the team aspect and getting to see the members interact. We got to see what motivates Mack and his question of whether he was running to God or away from Him. Mack has a scripture verse he relies on in times of stress. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” There is a lesson for us all in this verse.
It was great to see such a focused team in action. A great ending to a fantastic series. I am looking forward to more from this author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

'His worse fear could very well play out in slow motion.'

Susan Sleeman brings her Homeland Heroes series to a close with this riveting third book and it's guaranteed to make your heart pound with excitement. Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh is attacked and when her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan is notified that she is in a coma, he rushes to her side. He allowed his past military PTSD to end their short marriage, but he has never stopped loving her. But Mack is stunned when he arrives at the hospital only to learn that Addy has no memory of their marriage. A second attempt on Addison's life soon plays out and Mack is determined to protect his wife at all costs.

Susan Sleeman is my go-to for inspirational suspense. She is always at the top of her game and never fails to ratchet up the suspense and give the reader a thrilling ride to a powerfully exciting conclusion. One thing I love about her books is the realness of each. She does her homework and her research is incredible. She always includes the nitty gritty of her professionals and their work, and readers learn so much about the subjects of her novels. I love that! She goes to great lengths to make sure we have the truth of her research. I know I am in for a fast-paced, adrenaline-laced thrilling ride when I read a Sleeman novel. I loved it! Highly recommended.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is entirely my own.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh wakes up in the hospital having lost her memory, she doesn't remember the lead she had on her current case or her ex-husband Mack.

Still listed as Addison's closest of kin, he gets the call that she is in the hospital. Mack knows that he has let her down in the past, but he vows to do everything he can to protect her and catch the person who has been threatening her life.

A fast paced read with instantly likable main characters that pull you into the story. Action packed, with great character interaction and an adorable German Shepherd who is a basket of cuddles and intelligence. I liked how the incident brings Mack and Addison together, along with her memory loss that helps them tackle the issues that drove them apart.

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end, suspenseful and full of action. I loved how well the faith elements and relationship building come together in this second chance romance mixed with heart pounding suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book in the Homeland Heroe's series focuses on ICE Agent Mack Jordan another member of the RED Team. He and his wife, Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh, are separated due to his PTSD; but when Addy is injured in an attack during an investigation, Mack and the RED team rush to her side to come to her aid. They find themselves with only hours to find a terrorist group who is trying to access a new assault weapon that will kill hundreds within seconds.

Mack has been such a strong, gentle, cowboy giant through this entire series, and I was so happy to read his story this time. He still loves Addy with all his heart; but due to her amensia from her accident, he knows he has to tread easy when it comes to trying to get together with Addy. His strong nature was to always surge forward on his own while trying to capture this group of terrorists. Yet he constantly reminded himself that God was the one who was truly in control.

Throw in the other members of the RED Team with their past histories in books 1 and 2, along with a loveable, overgrown dog named Bear, and this was a perfect ending to this excellent series of suspense novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hour to Kill by Susan Sleeman is the third book in her Homeland Heroes series. FBI Special Agent Addison Leigh is on the brink of cracking a firearms-smuggling ring when she is attacked and left with no memory of the accident or her case. Because of his past military trauma, U.S. Marshal Mack Jordan ended his marriage to Addison as a way to protect her. Now he has vowed to bring to justice the man responsible for her accident. Mack and Addy had a lot of issues to work through but true love is always worth working for. Mack wasn’t afraid to admit his fear and short-comings and let God take care of them for him. This action- packed novel will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat from beginning to end. You never know what’s going to happen next!


I received this book from the author for my honest review.

[Abigail Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in the suspense even though I liked the romance and healing side of the story.

I was crazy to expect thrilling novels after the year of 2020?!

I liked "Hours to Kill" but that was all... I didn't love it or even really enjoy it. I found an overly informative suspense that didn't click with me.

If you enjoy suspense that leans toward telling about new things used by law enforcement this may be something you enjoy, I just didn't love it.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hours to Kill is the third book in the Homeland Heroes series by Susan Sleeman and it was definitely a favorite. I was blown away by the story and how much I loved it!

I always seem to enjoy stories with memory loss or amnesia, so I wasn't surprised that I loved that aspect in Hours to Kill. It was written very well and I felt like the characters were real people and I could feel for them.

I loved the romance and how it was kind of a "second chance" story. The suspense was also great and I was on the edge of my seat - eager to see what was going to happen next.

All in all, Hours to Kill was an amazing book and one I recommend.

*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.*

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an exciting and suspense-filled book, look no further than Hours to Kill! Sleeman knows how to draw readers into a story and keep us honed in on the suspense. I loved how the mysterious case Addison is having trouble remembering is pieced together with the help of the RED team. My mind was pretty blown away by the possibility (or maybe it’s actually real) of the technology that Cam works on. It’s kind of scary but completely realistic in this day and age.

There is so much tension between Addison and Mack it fairly leaps off the page. Addy can't remember Mack and their marriage but her heart hasn’t forgotten. The romance of it is sigh-worthy.

“He beamed a smile at her and she almost gasped at the sharp jolt of awareness that plunged through her. He was a fine-looking man—she’d figured that out already—but when he smiled? Oh, man. Wow. Just wow. She was putty in his hands.”

This has been a great series for any fan of romantic suspense. Sleeman isn’t afraid to grapple with authentic struggles in her characters lives. I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. No review required. No compensation received.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOURS TO KILL by Susan Sleeman is the third book in the Homeland Heroes series. It’s the amazingly well-crafted, police suspense book about Homeland Security FBI Special Agent Addison (Addy) Leigh and Deputy U.S. Marshal Mack Jordan. Addy is working for ICE’s Portland office on the Operation Crossfire case trying to solve the where and how of the importation of illegal and very deadly mini machine gun type weapons. Mack, member of the infamous Red Team in the Cyber Crimes Center in Washington D. C., is assigned to finding a group of abducted young girls - an old case they are determined to follow through on.

Still legally married, Abby and Mack have been separated for over 18 months living in different sides of the country. Although still very much in love with each other, Mack had made it clear, after a bad PTSD incident, he couldn’t stay with Abby and put her life in danger again. When she was seriously injured in a car wreck and since he’s still listed as her next of kin, he was notified by the hospital. She had been found unconscious and found to have a severe brain injury resulting in memory loss. His top priority now is to get to the woman he loves. When he finds out about the previous incident with Abby’s Mom, who suffers from dementia, being used to send Abby a message to stop her investigation and finding out that this latest accident was no “accident”, he gets the Red Team reassigned to helping stop the arrival of the major assault weapons into the U.S. That way he can also protect Abby and hunt down the party or parties responsible for endangering and threatening his family.

The major problem is that Abby’s wreck left her with a lot of her past memory totally blank. She doesn’t remember Mack, that they were married or that she once was a part of the Red Team. She can’t even remember where she had been driving from or to or what she had learned that must have been of such great importance on the Operation Crossfire case to cause her life to be threatened again. It had to be important because she had tried to make contact with Mack to ask for his help.

Will hypnosis help Abby? Is Mack more determined to keep Abby safe than the one that wants to do her bodily harm? Can they root out the ones in charge of the operation planning to bring illegal weapons into the country and where the point of entry is to be? Could the greatest success of this mission be measured in the prevention of multiply deaths of fellow federal agents? Who will come out on top – criminals or agents? Will Abby remember having been in love with Mack - - - before she falls in love with him again? Will being close to Abby again melt his resolve to distance himself from her for her own good? Will Mack have to face his biggest fears to save his wife?

Susan Sleeman writes amazing inspirational suspense novels and this one is a prime example. While she keeps you on the edge of your seat turning pages, she also lays out messages of hope, faith and love. I loved the verse that’s the theme throughout this book: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” She also does her research making the details in the story accurate and true to life which makes it an awesome, completely realistic story. I loved the way she details how criminals have stayed up with the time using high tech and cyber space to doing some of the grunt work, meaning that the good guys have to stay one step ahead of them developing their own technology in order to beat them at their own game. We really see through the whole series how the Red Team is just that – a team. No one member is more important than the other, but rather with all their skills and attributes put together makes one fabulous, well-oiled machine that can do just about anything once they put their heads together with one goal. Much like life, we all have our strengths within ourselves, but put us all working together towards something with God as our leader and we can achieve anything and everything!

Although the third book in the series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone book. However, I guarantee you that you will so fall in love with the characters that you will want to read the other books in the series as well. In show business they say, “leave them wanting more”. That’s what Susan Sleeman does with this book. She gives a great show within the pages and ends on a high note, but she leaves you wanting more from this author. Can’t wait for the next book by Susan Sleeman. This one most definitely gets a 5++++ rating desiring a higher rating because it sure deserves it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, but was under no obligation to write a review - positive or negative. All opinions are solely my own.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book for so long, and it was just as good as I thought it would be! Honestly, I was trying to lower my expectations, but it was amazing. Hours to Kill is the third book in the Homeland Heroes series about Mack and his estranged wife, Addison who goes by Addy most of the book. Addy is a part of an investigation that is close to nailing a man who is selling weapons of mass destruction. In the middle of finding a lead, she is attacked. She wakes up in the hospital with Mack, but she can’t remember anything about her investigation or ever being married to Mack.
Okay, even from the description of this book, I was so intrigued! And it was interesting to see Addy’s memory loss play out. She didn’t remember any of the things that caused her anxiety, so her relationship with Mack and the investigation were gone. But she still had feelings about different things with no memories. For example, she would feel like Kiley fluffing pillows was familiar, or she would just know something about Mack, but she wouldn’t have any memories. I really liked that storyline because even though Addy and Mack’s romance was fast, they had been married before. But you also got to see Addy falling for Mack all over again.
I really liked Addy and Mack together! Throughout the series, you never really find out why they broke up, and it was a shocker when I learned the real reason. It was one of those situations where the answer really isn’t clear which was nice. It wasn’t something where they just needed to talk to each other, but it’s a hard issue that I knew a little about. So, I really liked being able to learn what PTSD can do to people and those they love. I try my hardest not to do spoilers, so I won’t tell why they broke up. But, it’s a very complicated situation.
As always the suspense with Ms. Sleeman drives me insane, I never know what’s going to happen next. And there were a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t expect at all. We also revisited the case of three trafficked girls in a very believable way. I felt like it actually worked with the story and didn’t make everything connected in an outrageous way. However, this means that the book does talk about human trafficking specifically sex trafficking. There’s also a brutal guy who’s trying to kill Addy, but I feel like these are handled very well. It brings the right amount of suspense without being too scary, and it is a Christian suspense romance, so the romance is very clean. I absolutely loved this book! It was my favorite out of the Homeland Heroes series, and I would definitely recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense suspense, hair-raising at times and intricate investigative work make this one enthralling read. Love the Red Team (Mack's elite squad) and since this is the third book in the Homeland Heroes series, I felt like I was back among old friends. The camaraderie is superb, fuelled with a mix of banter and teasing along with plenty of contemplative moments as well. Having said that, you could read Hours to Kill as a standalone too, but I think you'll get the nuances of each team member more if you've read the first two books.

Now, let's talk about the whole amnesia thing, shall we? I used to be a huge fan but then this trope kept popping up in newly released suspense novels so often that I had to start picking and choosing which books to read lest I suffer from amnesia burnout...which I kinda did anyway. So, it's not my go-to any more except when it's a fave author pulling those amnesia strings. Like Susan Sleeman. And I have to say that she did a really good job working the amnesia angle throughout the story and I especially appreciated the way it wrapped up. So that just goes to show that I should never say never when it comes to popular tropes because there's a story somewhere that will prove me wrong every single time. :-)

I think Mack is my favourite Homeland Hero -- maybe because I've had so many tantalizing glimpses of him in the previous novels that I was on tenterhooks waiting to finally unpack his story. Love his dedication to God, but he's introspective enough to examine that relationship and whether he's allowing God to lead or wrestling for control. (I can totally relate to that!) And I love his scripture mantras that anchor him when things get tough. And the way he stoically watches over Addie...agh, his yearning is palpable...but he's too stubbornly noble to give into his heart. Lots of lovely romantical angst -- in between taking down a sinister mastermind!

Highly recommend this series and Susan Sleeman as an author if you enjoy high action, toe-curling suspense with a police procedural flare.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My! From the first line of this book to the very end, I was held captivated and on the edge of my seat!
Wow! What an ending to a FANTASTIC suspenseful series! I have loved all of the books in this series and this one was the icing on the cake!
I’m shocked with all, the author, Susan Sleeman, put her main character through. My heart was pounding, and anxiety was high for sweet Addy. What more could happen to her?
A good author will be one who gives their readers new things to think about and this author is just that kind! I love books where I learn lots of things; this book was packed full of fascinating things regarding a world I really don’t understand. There were a couple of times I asked my husband if he knew stuff and he would just grin at me. (He knows a lot about the different Federal Law agencies because he likes to learn those things.)
I love TV shows like NCIS, CSI, and police/detective kind, so this series has just fascinated me.
I also love that these books are all based in my city, and I can tell Susan Sleeman has done her research because I know of many of the places she mentioned in this book and her descriptions are spot on.
Susan Sleeman also had me guessing the whole book. I thought I knew who was involved and who was the bad guy, but boy was I wrong!
This book not only has great action and suspense, but there was a bit of romance and learning that it’s okay to rely on others and God, because He’s there with us through it all.
If you love action, suspense, and intrigue, then I highly recommend you pick this book and series up and start reading!
What an amazing ending of an edge-of-your-seat series!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Susan Sleeman’s romantic suspense, but the Homeland Heroes series has to be hands down my favorite. I love the interaction between government agencies as they save the country from terrorists and all sorts of evil.

Hours to Kill is book three in the series. You could probably read as a standalone, but books 1 and 2 give more back story on some of the other members of the elite Red team. This team consists of several different law enforcement agencies that have highly specialized skills. This story focuses on Homeland Security agent Addison Leigh. She’s about to break her case wide open, but has a car accident and can’t remember pieces of her life. Big pieces, like her estranged husband and Red team member Mack Jordan. Mack wanted to win her back, but now she doesn’t even recognize him. They also are running out of time to stop gun runners from smuggling assault weapons into the country.

I love the interaction between Addy and Mack. It’s as if he has to make her fall in love with him all over again. The plot is fact-paced with plenty life-and-death scenarios to take a reader’s breath away. Be sure to check out the whole series for some fantastic suspense!

Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Addison Leigh is hot on the trail of a deadly gunrunner, but when those responsible target her mother, Addy goes into protective mode. After getting close to answers, she’s involved in a crash that leaves her with amnesia. The man rushing to her side to protect her claims to be her estranged husband. Why can’t she remember him?

U.S. Marshal Mack Jordan receives a call that rocks his world. His wife has suffered a serious head injury after a car accident. He leaves his team behind and rushes to her side only to be thrust into a case that threatens to take Addy’s life.

Can Addy and Mack work together to bring the gunrunners down before they unleash a deadly weapon? Will Addy’s memories of her husband return?

Susan Sleeman does it again with the third and final book in the Homeland Heroes series. Hours to Kill caught my attention from the first page and kept me reading. I enjoyed Addison and Mack’s story.

Cleverly crafted plot twists, well-rounded characters that jump off the page and into our hearts, and vivid imagery and deep POV inserting you into the scene as if you were filming it. Her use of words and sentence structure is every writer’s dream.

I give Hours to Kill five stars. The story will keep the reader guessing with every twist and turn and shock them with a fitting ending to this great series. Can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

**Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The screen went dark. Black. Black as the night, and so did all of Addy's hopes for rescue."

Extremely dire straits. After Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh is brutally attacked and suffers a severe head injury, she loses a considerable amount of her memory; both about the firearms smuggling ring that she was investigating and the devastating separation from her husband. She had called U. S. Deputy Marshall Mack Jordan shortly before her accident, but she can't remember why and he had not been able to take the call. That doesn't prevent Mack from dropping everything and flying across the country to be by her side.

Suffering from post traumatic stress after his years in the military, Mack Jordan had forced himself to leave his beloved wife after unknowingly trying to harm her during a nighttime flashback. It doesn't seem possible that she can't remember him. Assigned the lead role in investigating the case that Addy had become involved in, Mack pulls in his current team to assist. They had mere hours before highly dangerous weapons were scheduled to be smuggled across the Mexican border and into the United States. On the other hand, was that enough time to win back his wife's trust and affections? Mack could only pray that it was.

What a story! The sweetness of forgotten love provided such a romantic interlude in the midst of a high stakes investigative thriller.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, and love, and self-discipline."

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman is a fast procedural story of the hunt for a stalker. From the first page, Sleeman takes readers for a ride with the suspense. The romance hints on the pages between the hero and the heroine. They had a past that took a while to come to the surface for the readers. As for the suspense, it was not a constant chase through to the end of the story. Instead, Sleeman takes readers for a ride as they watch the steps and the teamwork to solve the crime. She shows different aspects of the legal procedures and how many people it would take to solve the crime. When the story reached the climactic moment, it was definitely something different. Something readers would read in the newspaper, not in a fiction story. I enjoyed the aspect. Overall, Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman keeps the reader guessing. I believe, if readers enjoyed, CSI or any other type of shows like this, then they might enjoy Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman.

I received a complimentary copy of Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman by Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect conclusion to the Homeland Heroes series that gives you an adrenaline rush while appeasing your thirst for a little romance. If you love a thrill ride this is definitely the book and series for you as Ms. Sleeman is a master at her craft and never fails to give you hope in the direst of circumstances. I was amazed at the knowledgeable content and walked away thinking wow is that even feasible. I was so glad to see Addy and Mack work together and navigate their relationship even though she has lost part of her memory. This series will be on my keeper shelf to revisit at some point in time. Be prepared for nonstop reading as you won’t want to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[MJSH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read the previous two books in the Homeland Heroes series but was still able to enjoy this book. Mack and Addy were lovable characters and their situation felt realistic. Mack's battle with PTSD was heart-breaking but also encouraging in that he leaned on faith, counseling, and friends to help him. Mack's devotion to Addy was incredibly tender, even when she lost her memory and couldn't remember him.
There is plenty of action as Mack's team protects Addy and tries to figure out who is coming after her and why. The technical prototype gadgets that Mack's team uses are fascinating. The plot is intricate and detailed and it was fun to be in the midst of the action as pieces fell into place. I loved the theme of letting go of fear and living by the Spirit who gives power, love, and self-discipline.

I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Sleeman has become a favorite author of mine, me having read several of her Love Inspired books. I was happy to see Bethany House sign her on for a trade paperback series, and I have loved all 3 of them. This one may be the best so far. She has great characters in her books, and I have enjoyed all of them, but Mack may be the best one so far. He made the book what it is.

This was a truly awesome read that I couldn't put down til I read it through in one sitting.

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read as ICE Agent Mack Jordan tries to find out who went after his estranged wife and works at keeping her alive as they try to find who is behind the attack and the firearms smuggling ring. I really liked the suspense as you never knew what would happen next and who would come after them next. I also enjoyed getting to see Mack and Addison work on their marriage as they are given a new start. A good continuation to the series.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book I've read in this series, and I had no problem following the story even though it's part of a series. It easily stands alone.
I really enjoyed these characters!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise.

[Necee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And with each passing hour, it could mean those guns could be delivered to a man who clearly has no respect for life, and people will die.”

A suspected gunrunner, hours until stopping a shipment, and an unknown assailant bring Mack and the RED team together when his estranged wife is attacked. As Addy tries to regain her memories of her recent experiences, the stress of working with Mack keeps things interesting.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

“God gave Mack and the team the skills they needed to safely transport Addy. And God gave Mack the ability to hold off any flashbacks. He could do this. He really could.”

I have to say, I loved Mack throughout the series and couldn’t wait for his story. I enjoyed seeing into his heart and the tough US Marshall’s attitude. His struggles with PTSD were very real and I loved how he not only leaned on God, but took care of himself. Addy’s tough personality was really softened as she healed. I really enjoyed seeing her weaknesses toward Mack and the slow burn of their relationship was beautiful.

This was by far my favorite book of the series. Though, it is a series, I do believe it could be read as a standalone. Sleeman did an excellent job tying up the loose ends of the series, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Brooke Derrington | A Brooke And Her Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by Susan Sleeman... and yes, it is the third in a series... and yes, I did read it without reading the first two... lol! It was fine. I feel like reading the first two would have meant I knew the side characters better, but I didn’t feel like I was missing any important information or not understanding anything. So mark that down as a ‘can be read as a standalone’. ✅

Now, for my thoughts on the actual book... it was a bit of a rollercoaster for me, to be honest. At times, I loved it and at other times, I struggled with it. So I think I’ll just give you my pros and cons and let you decide for yourself what you think...

Pros:

☘️ It was definitely hard to put down!
☘️ good plot, interesting case
☘️second chance romance - I love a good second chance romance and this was a great one! I loved Mack and Addy’s story, their history & how it played out... they had great chemistry too!

Cons:
☘️plot was very much at the romance heavy end of romantic suspense - Mack and Addy’s relationship was definitely the driving force of the novel - which is perfectly fine, I’m quite okay with romance heavy - but the writing style was the more factual, didactic style of a straight suspense that doesn’t focus on romance (sometimes a little too didactic for my taste TBH) and it threw me off at times...

So, there you go... for me, I’d read it again just for the Mack and Addy dynamic - it certainly made up for any stylistic issues I had 😄

☘️☘️☘️

Thanks @bethanyhousefiction and @netgalley for the ARC. I was only required to provide an honest review in return.

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent Addy Leigh is on the trail of a brutal killer who is now running guns instead of drugs. Something big is about to happen and Addy's family is being threatened. Following up on a clue in the case Addy calls her estranged husband and leaves a message asking for his help. Unfortunately Addy is in an accident right after the call and has no recollection of calling Mack nor what the lead that she was following was. Can Mack and the Red team help Addy figure out what is going down before it is too late? And can Mack and Addy have a new start in their relationship?

HOURS TO KILL was exciting and intense. Not just the suspense, but the relationship between Addy and Mack. I loved both characters and was routing for them to succeed in their relationship. For those of us that were waiting to see the outcome of the Montgomery Three case that the Red Team has been working on we were not disappointed. While not front and center in HOURS TO KILL, it is finally wrapped up and lends excitement to the end of the story. I think this is the end of the Homeland Heroes books. I really enjoyed the Red Team and I'm looking forward to seeing what is next for author Susan Sleeman. I highly recommend HOURS TO KILL, especially if you have read the other two books in the series.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hours to Kill is the third book in the latest explosive series by Susan Sleeman. You don’t have to read the books in order but I always recommend that you do.
The RED team is fascinating with their skills and teamwork. This is Mack’s story and we learn why he and his wife are estranged. Mack deals with PTSD and he felt that it was detrimental to their marriage. I loved how he had a verse that he used when he would be triggered.
When he gets a call that Addy is in the hospital he immediately goes to her bedside.

Addy works for Homeland Security and Mack and the RED team come in to help her when she is attacked.

Susan delivers a fast-paced story with a strong, lovable ensemble cast and a sweet, helping of romance. I recommend.


I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third and final book in the series was my favourite by far! Not only was the suspense plot captivating and a thrilling ride, but I enjoyed the romantic plot as well. I'm always in favour of marriage reconciliation stories. The covenant of marriage is important and I love it when an author fights for the marriage. Addie's amnesia added to the mystery of what will happen between Marc and Addie.

Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this book and series. For me, this third book also emphasised the Red team than the previous two. The way they joked with each other, pushed each other, but also supported each other, was one of the main reasons I enjoyed this series.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman

Published by Bethany House Publishers March 16, 2021

Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Christian, Romance

Pages: 336

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Publisher’s Description

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she’s attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she’s at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he’s not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it’s clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives.

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Story Notes

Susan Sleeman offers up another non-stop story in her Homeland Heroes series that focuses on Mack Jordan and his estranged wife, Homeland Agent Addison Leigh.

How apropos on this St. Patty’s Day that I am reviewing a green covered book that features a guy named Mack! This was a good story with lots of action, angst, inability to forgive oneself and a love that never died. Addie Leigh is a Federal Agent working to take down a firearms smuggling ring working the dark web to find and distribute their product. But while she knew they were powerful and dangerous, she never thought they might target her to keep their cover. Viciously attacked and left in a coma, Addie is about find herself in a room with the one man she’s never been able to forget – her husband Mack, US Marshal and member of the elite Red team. Receiving a call telling him that Addie has been badly injured throws Mack’s world into a tailspin. They’ve been separated for a few years but she hadn’t removed him as next of kin on her files. Desperate to ensure her safety, Mack is at her side as soon as he can hop a plane. There’s only one problem – when Addie wakes, she doesn’t remember Mack or their marriage. Now they must contend with the danger to Addie’s life and to their hearts. But Mack is still determined to keep Addie safe, especially from himself given that he still suffers from PTSD from his years as a Night Stalker. So he and the Red Team offer their resources to help take down the smugglers and ensure Addie stays safe. As Addie begins to remember their years together, she isn’t sure she’s ready to work with Mack in such close quarters again but needs the Red Team if she wants to solve this case. Her heart still belongs to Mack, even if he says otherwise, and she’s determined to make him face his demons and sort out their relationship. The case will have to be solved first and the culprits caught if they are to have any chance at a future together. However, those in charge of the smuggling ring are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their future in the industry, and no one will be allowed to stand in their way – not even a determined agent with a talent for trouble. There was so much to unpack in this story and it was all handled so well. We finally get to understand Mack and why he and Addie split. His stubborn way of keeping her at arm’s length made me want to give him a Gibb’s slab to the back of the head but I was glad to see he was trying to work through his past and find his balance again. And Addie trying so hard to get him to let her in while also trying to recall her past with him was a great plot point. All the needed information to figure out the people behind everything going on was only doled out in small doses so it was hard to make a solid guess until the end – something Ms. Sleeman is very good at in her writing. I loved getting to see a bit more of the other members on the Red Team too as I love the banter that goes on between them. Another plus was the conclusion of the Montgomery Three case that has haunted the team for years – I was so glad to see that solved. One of the best parts of this story and this series has been seeing “behind the curtain” of how these elite agencies work. While I’m sure it’s not specific to any current team at work, there was plenty of description of the type of work done and dedication these agents have to taking down those profiting off the suffering of others. I will certainly be recommending this story and the series to others in the hope that they will enjoy this journey of action and love as well. Very much looking forward to the next story in the series – we need to know what happens with the remaining members of the Red Team!!

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.

[Kelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman is the final book in her Homeland Heroes trilogy. Out of the three novels, this one was definitely my favorite, though maybe it was in part due to my partiality toward the male protagonist, Mack Jordan. A Texas man with his cowboy boots and Southern drawl, I found him endearing and relatable from the first book, Seconds to Live. I rooted for him from day 1. Sleeman finally gave him the conclusion he deserved in Hours to Kill. This is a Christian romance novel, so I knew it'd have a "happily ever after" going into the book. Even with that, I still enjoyed Hours to Kill more than other books in the series.

Mack and Addy separated over a year ago. They've loved each other throughout the time apart but have never spoken of their affections. A madman threatens Addy's family, and the gunrunner is about to do something big. She needs Mack's help and that of his specialized RED Team. After a car "accident," Addison loses her memory--of the case, of the RED Team, and of Mack. All she knows is that she has to stop the gunrunner before it's too late...and something about Mack sets her heart aflame. What annoyed me most about this book's predecessor was that the romance seemed to trump a terrorist attack. With Hours to Kill, the relationship between Mack and Addy took a backseat. While they explored their affections for each other, they were both focused on stopping the bad guys from smuggling firearms into the United States.

Throughout the three novels, Sleeman hints toward how Hours to Kill is going to end. You read of characters' hopes and dreams, and you experience their frustrations in a heartbreaking kidnapping case going cold. The final book of the trilogy ties up loose ends, which I expected before even opening the cover. You don't lead up to something throughout an entire series, only to leave your readers hanging. Sleeman left me smiling at the conclusion of Hours to Kill. My shoulders rose and fell as I sighed, deeply satisfied. The plot was thought-provoking, the intensity palpable, and the relationship real.

Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman, though, was imperfect. Again, I felt like she patronized me a little with her name-dropping. Not people, but techniques and technology. In the movie Get Smart with Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell, the characters constantly ask each other, "You don't have one of these?" in reference to fancy devices. Hours to Kill did something similar, and that got on my nerves. I didn't need to know of the complex doohickeys at the RED Team's disposal; just move on and let the characters do their jobs. Sleeman would also write things like, "Addy didn't need to explain to Mack that..." Great...I don't necessarily need you to spell it out to me, either. It's okay to generalize on occasion. Sometimes, Susan Sleeman would pay too much attention to the one leaf on this one tree and lose track of the surrounding forest.

I enjoyed Hours to Kill. It's the first book I've read in a while that had me saying, "Just one more chapter." I wouldn't put Susan Sleeman's work as high in quality as some of the other romantic suspense authors I've read like Patricia Bradley, Elizabeth Goddard, and Lynette Eason. If you want a quick, satisfying series with lessons on crime-fighting technological advancements, you should pick up Homeland Heroes. You may enjoy them, you may not. But, I do guarantee you'll be smiling after you read the final page.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy Leigh is living on the opposite coast of her estranged husband. This is not completely what she wants, but he feels that is necessary due to his PTSD. But their separation does not stop her from reaching out for his help and the help of his top team of agents. Before he arrives in town to help her, she meets up with an accident that puts her in the hospital. This raises the stakes of both the investigation and of their relationship.

What I liked ... Having another book with these Homeland Heroes was definitely satisfying. I really enjoyed the previous books featuring Sean and Kiley (as well as supporting character Cam), so having them back in a book that features Mack was great. These characters work well together - they definitely feel like a team.

I did like Addy and Mack's relationship. The unconditional love and commitment was evident. But I liked the fact that they were unsure about if they could continue to make their relationship work due to some previous conflict. They did not walk into getting back together again lightly.

One of the strongest parts of this story was how Mack was fighting his PTSD. Easy answers were not given. He understood his trigger points. He sought counsel. But then he also recognized that God could help with his healing. One verse was mentioned as key - he would quote it any time he was under duress. II Timothy 1:7 "For the Spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Cliches ... there are some major ones. To me, this almost detracted from the story. While the author tries to add new "twists," but I am not sure that was enough. They happened enough that it made me go back and forth on my rating. Ultimately I decided to give the book a 4.5 and round up on behalf of the author's efforts to write a compelling books. Susan Sleeman is definitely a prolific author who has written many books. I would imagine at certain points it might be challenging to keep the themes fresh and original. I do like this author, and I will read more of her books.

I did read this book as a part of NetGalley and was a provided a copy by the publisher. I have read the previous two Homeland Heroes books. I really wanted to review this book as I have enjoyed the series. Thankful for the opportunity to read this one and to let you know my opinions.