An inferno meant to destroy… encroaching flames take her life.
Or an act of revenge…
Firefighter and former Navy SEAL Matt Griffin knew his friend’s death was no accident, and he arrives at the building to gather his own evidence. But he sees the building engulfed in flames and discovers a familiar car parked in the lot. Sam, his former girlfriend, had to be trapped inside. Despite his training, despite his captain’s protest, Griff takes off without a threat assessment, risking his life to enter the building and drag Sam to safety. When he does, he can’t help but wonder if the fire was set to destroy evidence or if it was set to kill Sam. Either way, if Sam survives, he vows to hunt down the answer.
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I have really enjoyed this series and this book did not disappoint. Love the characters. Good clean read. Keeps you wanting to continue on and not put it down until you have finished it.
I received an ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was another enjoyable read in the series. Sam was a fun character in the other books, but she definitely had things to work through. I felt bad for Griff through a lot of this book, not that he didn’t need to work through things, but they didn’t seem to catch him up like Sam’s stuff got her. The mystery in this one was fun too!
Susan Sleeman did a great job of wrapping up the Cold Harbor series and bringing in some new faces for her new series. She finished up the Cold Harbor series with a book about their newest member, forensic analyst Sam. Sam’s friend, Andy, has just been murdered, and in order to find the murder she is forced to work with her old boyfriend. Griff, Sam’s ex-boyfriend, is also determined to find Andy’s murderer, but he wants to win Sam back at the same time. Cold Dawn features a will they won’t they story, filled with suspense and romance.
I admired Griff, and I liked how he always respected Sam’s stance while trying to convince her. I think that Sam’s reasons for not wanting a relationship were really sound as well, so it didn’t seem forced. I also loved seeing Sam’s found family again. It’s so cute to me how all the team members are very free in expressing their opinions. I especially love how Hannah is always trying to matchmake everyone. Plus, it was great to see how the different couples’ lives were playing out.
The suspense was definitely on point. I had no idea what was coming or who was going to be the murderer. I think that it really is the kind of book that grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading. In addition, I really liked how Susan Sleeman’s suspense is never too scary or intense. It’s always hard to find a clean, not scary, Christian, suspense book, but Susan Sleeman balances all these traits. And I can’t wait to read the next book about Blake and Emory! I would definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Things are heating up in Cold Harbor! Cold Dawn is intriguing and fast paced from the start, with plenty of romantic tension and glimpses into the lives of the couples from prior books in the series. I’m actually a little out of order in reading the series, but author, Susan Sleeman, does a great job creating a relatable stand-alone story while keeping the continuity of the series. Can’t say enough good things about Cold Harbor and looking forward to the next series by this author!
I love this series and look forward to the next book and the next character’s story
It’s been such a treat to meet all the people in Susan Sleeman’s Cold Harbor series. Well, maybe treat isn’t the right word, since they manage to get into more trouble than a barrel of monkeys! Still, the characters are wonderful and Sleeman gets them in and out of trouble with her skillful suspense writing. Samantha and Griff are well-drawn and endearing characters who get a second chance at love when they are drawn together through the death of a mutual friend. Their expertise in their different fields is tested when they work to solve the mystery of his murder.
This story has intrigue, suspense, and inspiration all mixed together with a dash of romance. I enjoyed seeing the growth and healing that Samantha and Griff went through to get their happily ever after. Along with their story, we got an introduction to the author’s next series, Truth Seekers, by meeting Emory Steele, the heroine in Dead Ringer, which is the first book in the series.
The only problem I had with Cold Dawn was some confusion during the last part of the book. I had a hard time keeping track of all the suspects and extra characters. Other than that, Sleeman’s superb writing and knowledgeable background in crime fighting kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m looking forward to the next series and more great suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I have read most of the Cold Harbor book series and highly recommend them! This one was also amazing! It had a great story line with lots of suspense and action. Burning buildings, car chases, murder…I read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down.
Sam (Samantha) and Griff (Matt Griffin) and Pepper (puppy) are the main characters in this story as they work together to figure out the death of their friend Andy. As they get closer to finding out what happened, they have to keep running for their lives to stay one step ahead of the killer. Lots of twists and turns-nothing is as it seems.
Throughout the book, Sam works on coming to terms with her past and misunderstandings, so she can move on to find love in her future. I really liked Griff’s determination and love to help Sam. They were both great, strong, passionate, characters!
The story also includes members of Sam’s team like Gage and Hannah from previous Cold Harbor books. I loved reading about the other team members and I’m sad to see the series end. I can’t wait to start reading the new series this author is writing next though.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
“She’d chosen to be alone. All alone. And suddenly it didn’t seem like she’d made the best choice.”
After being rescued from a life threatening fire, by the very man whom Samantha Willis had once hoped would be her “happily ever after”, forensic curiosity took over. As a member of the Blackwell Tactical team, Sam is intent on proving that the fire which took the life of a friend had been an act of arson. She just never expected the arsonist to come after her or that Matt Griffin would be the one to save her.
Former Navy SEAL turned firefighter Matt Griffin never understood what had prompted the love of his life to walk away from him without a single explanation. Years have gone by, yet seeing Sam again brings a wave of emotions back to life; in actuality, he’d never forgotten a thing about her. Feelings aside, they are going to have to work together to solve a crime and “Griff” is determined to keep Sam safe in the process.
It’s a wild ride through highs and lows, but in the end faith overcomes fear and justice triumphs over evil intentions.
Samantha Willis, a tactical operator, and former criminalist learns of the death of her childhood friend, Andy. She gathers forensic supplies and goes to the scene in hopes of gathering evidence to prove his death wasn’t an accident. When she arrives, someone locks the door of the building and sets it on fire. Sam faces death when she inhales too much smoke in her fight to stay alive.
Matt Griffin, a firefighter, former Navy SEAL, and her ex-boyfriend, heard about the death of his roommate and friend and went to the scene to gather more information. When he arrives, he spots Sam’s car in the parking lot of a building engulfed in flames. He must get inside the inferno and find Sam. With only seconds to spare before their lungs collapse and the intense smoke overtakes them, they escape with their lives.
The emotional battle between Sam and Matt is as intense as the burning building. Sam can’t allow herself to be with Matt even though her heart says yes. Matt can’t understand why she’d abruptly ended their relationship years earlier with no explanation. They battle with their feelings for each other as they join forces with Blackwell Tactical to gather evidence and find the killer.
Cold Dawn is a nice smooth read mixed with intense action scenes. The story captured my attention and kept me turning the page.
I discovered Susan Sleeman as an author last year. Since then I’ve read most of her books. She became a favorite author after the first book. Cold Dawn is action packed, edge of the seat suspense, will keep you guessing on what/who is next. The characters have depth, their own problems, faith, and you will meet characters from previous books & see what they are doing. Never disappointed by anything that Susan Sleeman writes. Highly recommend this book and any of her books.
I bought this book and no one asked me to write a review. All opinions are my own and I can honestly say I love this book. Read it in two days. A keeper.
Cold Dawn by Susan Sleeman
Cold Harbor Series Book Seven
Samantha Willis, forensic expert loves her job with Blackwell Tactical. They are family. When a childhood friend turns up dead…Sam goes to investigate on her own. If there is evidence to find that he was murdered…she’s going to find it. And, she even asked for help from an old friend.
Matt Griffin “Griff” is thankful that Gage Blackwell lets him help with the case to find his friend’s murderer. The Blackwell group is quite impressive and he gets to be close to Sam. Whether that’s good or bad is yet to be seen.
Another great story in this series. So real life how events in our lives can color our perspectives. And how fear can keep us imprisoned. Stop us from living. These stories have great characters, suspense, and real-life struggles. Love it.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/09/susan-sleeman-booklist.html
Cold Dawn starts right off with intense suspense, the plot keeps getting more complex, and I was completely pulled into the story. I couldn’t figure out how the every-increasing pieces of the mystery would fit together, but in the end they did. I also really liked the two main characters, Sam and Griff. I appreciated how they worked through their personal issues before they jumped into a relationship—that is realistic to me. I didn’t expect the different twists at the end, and it was a very enjoyable book!
Susan Sleeman does it again with the fast paced, action-packed story of the last single team member of Blackwell Tactical.
Samantha Willis finds herself investigating the death of her childhood friend, Andy who died in a fire. She needs the help of Griff her former flame, SEAL turned firefighter, she dumped years before. No one knows the truth behind her actions, including Griff.
Griff wants to help find the answers concerning Andy’s death, but still carries a torch for Sam. Seeing her again could be his undoing. As they dig for answers, can he keep her safe and still keep enough distance to guard his heart, or will she be able to open hers? Can they work together without the feelings just below the surface becoming an inferno?
A perfect end to the series. I’m looking forward to the next.
SUSPENSE OVERLOAD!
COLD DAWN (A Cold Harbor Novel Book 7) is filled with suspense from beginning to end! This book should be read in the order it was written in the Series for the reader to completely understand all of the backstory of the Blackwell Tactical Group and exactly what they do, why they all work so well together and why it’s important for them to have significant others in their lives to help support, encourage, ground and love them. Each book centers around one member of the Team. This one centers around Forensic Expert Samantha Willis. A lifelong friend of hers has been found dead and she believes his death is not accidental. She brings in another friend, Matthew Griffin, former Navy SEAL and now a Firefighter and Medic, in to help her investigate the mysterious death.
While trying to solve that mystery, there is a much bigger mystery of what happened between Sam & Griff in the past. They had a great relationship going and she broke it off with no explanation. All it takes is for them to see each other to know that their feelings for each other haven’t changed in the past few years. They both know that they must focus on the investigation first and foremost. It quickly becomes apparent that maybe the facts are not adding up and the case is much more complicated than they first thought. This is a case that will take all the skills of the Blackwell Team Members plus the skills of some friends at a specialty DNA Lab to find out the truth of the killer/killers. Will they be too late with the evidence? Will the killer/killers strike again? Are the attempts on Sam and Griff’s lives related to the murder of their friend or coincidental? What if they get blindsided by the murderer/murderer? Who can they trust? Will Sam and Griff find their way back to each other? I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence. I also preordered a copy of this book for my own personal collection.
I’m so sorry to see this series end! It was one of my favorites! Blackwell Tactical was a great group of people to follow as I read their stories and got to know them. As with most series I read, I felt like they were real people and I wanted to “really” know them! This final book was about Samantha – or Sam – who was a former criminalist, and she finds forensic evidence at a fire that she feels prove her friend, Andy, was murdered but then she is trapped in the building where the fire was and an inferno erupts! She believes she is going to die and only hopes that someone shows up before she does…..
Sam’s former love, Matt Griffin, is a former Navy SEAL, now firefighter, shows up at the burning building and goes into automatic “firefighter” mode. Andy was his friend too so that’s why Matt – or Griff as he’s known”- was at that building. Between Sam and Griff, they vow to find out who killed Andy and why. I really enjoyed catching up with all the Blackwell Tactical gang and not only having them help Sam in her quest to catch the killer but finding out what’s happening in their personal lives! A great story to end this series and I will miss these characters!
‘Suffering is a part of life. I’ve never met a strong person who hasn’t suffered.’
It was so good to be back with Blackwell Tactical again. This group of former military and law enforcement folks are top notch in their field. This is book 7 and the final book in Susan Sleeman’s Cold Harbor series. In my opinion, she saved the best for last.
Former criminalist and Blackwell Tactical member Samantha Willis is trying to discover what happened to a friend who died in a fire, and chances are nearly 100% that he was murdered. Her former boyfriend, Matt Griffin, former Navy SEAL, now firefighter and paramedic, was also a friend of the deceased and is helping her with her investigation.
Samantha broke up with Griff seven years earlier because of her trust issues. Griff has never stopped loving her and truth be told, neither has she stopped loving him. Samantha and Griff both has some serious issues to work through. But God is gentle with them and is leading them to find His best for their lives. There is a great spiritual message in this book and it ministered to me.
As always, Sleeman’s suspense is top notch. The action never lets go until the end and I never guess the culprit. She always throws a surprise in. Her research into each aspect of her books is awesome. Sometimes I even am prompted to delve into things myself after reading her books! I love every minute. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
4.5 Stars
The lone single member of the Blackwell Tactical team is about to meet her match (but she’s already met him). Former criminalist Samantha Willis wants to uncover the truth of what happened to her childhood friend. In order to give the investigation her best, she calls on the man whose heart she broker seven years ago.
Griff still wonders why Sam walked out on him. No explanation. No contact afterward. She was just…gone. Now he’s working alongside her and, after multiple attempts on her life, he’s focus is on keeping her alive without losing his heart again.
Susan Sleeman once again takes readers through the investigation process with a team of professionals who have each other’s backs—false starts, unanswered questions, and all. Between multiple suspects, professional support from the Veritas group, and intense moments that place Sam and Griff in jeopardy, readers are immersed in an authentic and realistic investigation.
Cold Dawn also has the bonus of working as an excellent series bridge to Sleeman’s upcoming Truth Seekers series (book 1 coming in April 2019) with an introduction to Emory and the Veritas group.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
We are back with the Blackwell Tactical group, and this time the story belongs to forensic specialist Samantha Willis.
When her friend Andy dies in a fire, she goes to investigate the abandoned warehouse. Sam asks her former boyfriend, Matt Griffin to meet her there, since he too was a friend of Andy’s. Matt, a former Navy SEAL and now firefighter, has never forgotten or stopped loving Samantha, even after 7 years. Never understanding why she left him.
When he gets to the location to meet Sam, the building is in flames, and runs in to rescue her.
From that moment on, the action in this story is non-stop, filled with bad guys, questions, and danger.
In the midst of all the action, both are struggling with personal issues and must take the leap of faith to trust God to help them in their lives.
Will Sam be able to trust, and will Griff be able to let go of is guilt he still carries from his SEAL years?
It was a well developed story that also gave us a chance to visit with the other members of Blackwell Tactical.
Another winner from this author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are soley my own.