Deadly Memory: A Novel of Romantic Suspense, Espionage, and Murder

by Jess Austen

***The first book in the Her Super Spy Trilogy, is is a story of Romantic Suspense, Espionage...and murder. Unlucky in espionage, lucky in love? Samantha King is a hopeless romantic when it comes to love. On vacation in London, England, she meets a guy that she could really go for. But he disappears on her, breaking her heart. The next morning, she finds out why - he was murdered in the alley behind the pub. The killer is after her next. Tom Bridges is a Data Intelligence Officer for the civilian branch of MI5. He wants to find out who killed his friend and retrieve the evidence that the agent was bringing in. Sam has it and he knows it. He’s going to have to keep her safe in order to get it from her. Because the killer knows she has it too. Even if she doesn’t know it. The attraction between Tom and Sam is immediate. And platonic, to her disappointment. If Tom will stop being all business and give her a chance, she might be able to break the romance curse. If they both live that long.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The London setting felt vivid and cinematic. The opening twist hooked me right away. The chemistry between Sam and Tom is electric, even when he’s trying so hard to stay professional.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

London, England, The Shakespeare Pub. The killer punched Manning’s solar plexus & knocked the wind out of him.
The TV news reporter said MI5 Officer William “Will” Manning (Digital Intelligence Unit MI5 Courier) has been killed.
Police are looking for a young woman.
Sammy “Sam” King (f) & Robbie George (BMF) went to talk with the police.
Agent Tom Bridges (MI5 DI Intelligence/Data Analyst Unit) interviewed her.
Director Lydia Barrowman & Agent Bridges were discussing the case.
The man who killed Will, shot at Sam.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written who-dunnit murder mystery book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
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Thank you for the free author; Sjofn Press; BookFunnel; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Jummy Ola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from the very first chapter. The mystery unfolded so smoothly, and the romantic tension was spot on.

[Jummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the blend of everyday humor with high-stakes danger. It made the characters feel human despite the spy-life chaos.

[Kyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Tom’s dynamic is adorable and intense at the same time. The alley murder mystery had a chilling start.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is tight, clever, and emotionally satisfying. The ending made me immediately want the sequel.

[Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense elements were well executed, and Tom’s loyalty to his friend added emotional weight. Perfect for fans of romantic thrillers.

[Victoria Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

An addictive page-turner. I loved how the romance felt natural despite the chaos around them. Great balance of action and emotion.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam’s heartbreak at the beginning felt so raw and believable. The emotional stakes were high from page one, and it only intensified.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Austen has a great voice, clean, engaging, and sharp. The pacing never dragged, and Tom is definitely my new favorite fictional agent.

[MANDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, emotional, and surprisingly funny. Samantha is instantly lovable, and Tom is the perfect blend of broody and protective. I tore through this in one sitting.

[Ara H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mix of mystery and romance. Sam isn’t a stereotypical heroine, she’s relatable, stubborn, and genuinely sweet. Can’t wait for book two.

[Anna Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The espionage angle gave this more depth than a typical romantic suspense novel. Loved the banter and the tension. Tom’s internal struggle was perfection.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The murder mystery kept me guessing, and the slow-burn romance was satisfying. I loved watching these two dance around their feelings while trying not to get killed.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like steamy Romantic Suspense, Jess Austen's books are for you!

Sam King, of Lexington, KY, is on vacation with her best friend in London. When she screws up her courage to visit a pub she meets with a nice hot Brit and engages in flirting. Just when she thinks he's as into her as she is him, he's spooked, spills their drinks, and is nowhere. Just her dumb luck! The next day she discovers he had been brutally murdered.

Tom Bridges is a special agent for the civilian branch of MI 5. The murdered man is his protege. He meets Sam in an interrogation room and treats her like a suspect when she is doing her civic duty and reporting what she has witnessed. He's taken aback when this Rubenesque beauty sizes him up and takes him down a couple of notches. They are instantly attracted and sparks fly.

Through in a diabolical villain and we have the makings of a classic spy thriller with a large helping of romance. Readers of Catherine Coulter, J T Ellison, and Jayne Ann Krentz will love this series.

[Noelle Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a little trouble staying interested in this storyline but to give the author a fair shake I read through to the end. Overall just “not bad” for me. The previous reviews I read are small outlines of the story so I won’t get into that. Instead I will say that the love (sex) scenes for me we’re not so much steamy, as described, but overly graphic, according to my own taste. The story itself dragged her and there and lost my interest. Sorry but must be honest. For someone else this may not be the case and could be a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Memory hooked me from the very first chapter. Jess Austen delivers the perfect mix of espionage, slow burn romance, and danger around every corner. Samantha is relatable, funny, and stronger than she realizes, and Tom is the perfect blend of “professional protector” and “secretly soft.” Their chemistry is electric even when they’re trying to deny it.
Our group at The Badass Bookclub devoured this one in a single weekend. We couldn’t stop texting each other about that twist in the alley and the final chase scene. A must read for romantic suspense lovers!

[Adeleke Inioluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an engaging and thought provoking read that captures attention from the very first page. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together interesting ideas, relatable characters, and a strong sense of purpose. The writing is clear, the pacing is smooth, and the themes are meaningful, leaving readers with plenty to reflect on.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment, inspiration, or knowledge, this book offers something valuable. It’s well crafted and enjoyable, making it a great addition to any reader’s collection.

[Michael C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had me turning pages at 2 a.m. no regrets. Sam’s heartbreak turning into a lethal mystery was such a brilliant setup. And Tom? The emotionally reserved MI5 officer with a hidden heart of gold? Yes, please.
The plot is fast-paced without ever feeling rushed, and the tension between Sam and Tom is so deliciously written. The Badass Bookclub picked this as our monthly read, and honestly, what a choice. We all agreed: this is exactly what romantic suspense should feel like.

[Lotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Memory is a gripping mix of romance, suspense, and espionage. Samantha and Tom’s chemistry is electric, and the twists kept me hooked from start to finish. As a member of THE BADASS BOOKCLUB, I can say this thrilling story is a must read for anyone who loves romantic suspense and high-stakes adventure.

[Helen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me everything I wanted: danger, romance, intrigue, humor. The plot twists were well-placed and satisfying.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha is the kind of heroine you root for immediately. The way she stumbles into espionage felt believable and fun. Great character chemistry.

[Joy Akin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom’s protectiveness was swoon-worthy without feeling overbearing. I loved how he slowly let his guard down.

[J.R Jerkins]

Enjoyable read with an engaging heroine. Some pacing felt a little rushed, but overall, the story held my attention.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong characters and excellent tension. I especially loved how Sam stayed true to her romantic nature even in danger.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll definitely read the next in the series, so happy I found this via 1000 Books Club.

[Ani Karapetyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the slow-burn romance under pressure, featured by 1000 Books Club.

[Eloisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists kept me engaged and shocked, thanks 1000 Books Club

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt fully immersed in London and the spy world, the 1000 Books Club Cooked.

[Joy Mautin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension between danger and romance was perfect, and I found it through 1000 Books Club.