Praise
MISTLETOE AND MALICE:
Riley Hudson is nearly abducted and her wealthy father insisted on a security team to protect her. She resents their constant presence, but grows to respect them and the work they do.
Colton Blankenship views Riley as a high-maintenance gal but soon realizes philanthropy is her passion. She has a vibrant faith.
They intrigue each other but Colton must stay focused. Someone wants her dead.
This will keep you on the edge of your chair.
COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!
[Mistletoe and Malice] drew me in hook, line & sinker! I read the bulk of it in one sitting - staying up WAY too late! Thankfully I was able to finish it the next day. The writing was full of emotion that was tangible - I could feel the tension, highs & lows. 10/10 would recommend & it might kill me to have to wait for the next book in the series!
GREAT READ!!
I loved this book!! Well written and fast paced, Mistletoe and Malice has it all— a swoony romance, exciting intrigue, and a grounding spiritual element. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down. Fabulous read!! Highly recommend.
RIVETING ROMANTIC SUSPENSE!
I loved Mistletoe and Malice! The title itself grabbed my attention from the first moment, and the story never let go. Riley and Colton are adorable and relatable, and their struggle to get to the happily ever after is believable and a great story. I loved their first meeting; the fact that they both got the other so wrong on their first impressions makes for a great meet-cute and serves to hook the reader for the duration of the book. The Christmas parties and themes are a fun backdrop for a nail-biting suspense, lending a few moments of lightness to catch your breath. The race to find the stalker/killer is well-paced, and Colton and his team are a perfect combo of tough and compassionate. I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series!
WELL-WRITTEN ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
[Mistletoe and Malice] is so well written. It’ll appeal to both mystery lovers who like a little excitement (think “gun shots when Riley is vulnerable”) and romance lovers who like a slow-burn build up.
Great read, five stars!
LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is a brand new author for me. [Mistletoe and Malice] had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. Although, I guessed correctly who the real criminal was at the very beginning of the book I did not know the complete reason why until almost the end of the book. I found myself laughing out loud when Colton became surprised at just how full of genuine activities Riley had on her daily schedule because he thought she was a stuck up heiress. I really liked every character in this novel expect of course the bad guy. While he was well written, I do not think anyone ever really likes the bad guy in books. I cannot wait until the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book!
WONDERFUL MIX OF ROMANCE & SUSPENSE THAT AVID ROMANCE READERS WILL LOVE
Love, love, LOVE this novel. I almost exclusively read either Women's Fiction or contemporary Christian romance--not romantic suspense. But that's not a problem with this story. Mistletoe and Malice combines both romance and suspense in a way that's not too intense on the suspense part and a lovely story on the romance side.
FANTASTIC BOOK - FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR
What a fantastic book! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Great believable character development. No "too stupid to leave" junk to advance the plot- one of my personal pet peeves. Great suspense and action. No slow boring parts. God's word woven seamlessly throughout the story.
I had never heard of this author before. I discovered it in kindle unlimited and gave it a try. I am so glad I did. Notes at the end of the book said this is her 1st romantic suspense and there will be another in this series in 2026. I can't wait!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this new romantic suspense by Lori DeJong. Wealthy heiress Riley Hudson saw something someone didn't want her to see and now she's in danger. Enter Colton Blankenship, her new bodyguard, whose life hasn't turned out the way he wanted. She thinks he's "tactical gear" and he thinks she's a spoiled socialite. Their journey of discovery about the other is endearing. You won't want to miss it.
The plotting and characters were stellar. I enjoyed the world DeJong created and am looking forward to the rest of the series. Sweet and clean with a strong Christian worldview.
WELL DONE!
Attorney and heiress Riley Hudson uses her position and money to help people in need. When her life is threatened by an unknown assailant, Colton Blankenship is hired to be her bodyguard and protect her at all costs. But how does he guard his heart?
If you like to read romantic suspense that's clean, faith-filled, and well written, I recommend Lori DeJong's Mistletoe and Malice. The plot and characters are believable. The reader is drawn into suspense and romance that makes the book hard to put down.