She was framed! Or was she? If only she could remember… Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs–or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards–and suspects–her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll … into a trap they’ll never escape?
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Fatal Memories by Tanya Stowe is an intriguing romantic suspense. Jocelyn “Joss” Walker, a border patrol agent, wakes up in the hospital without her memories. Dylan Walsh, a DEA agent, is known as the gang buster and has been on special assignment in Tucson for the last month to eradicate a dangerous new gang. He found an unconscious Joss inside a collapsed tunnel with a stash of heroin. While Dylan cares for Joss, he will not let his feelings get in the way of discovering the truth. Joss finds comfort with Dylan in this unknown world, but she can tell that he distrusts her. Fatal Memories is a fast paced story full of action and plenty of suspenseful moments. Joss and Dylan are developed characters. They each had decisive events that led them to their careers. Joss and Dylan are devoted to their jobs which leaves them with no personal lives. Both are Christians and it is Dylan’s hymn singing that Joss remembers while drifting in and out of consciousness. While there are sparks between them, their baggage and jobs are keeping them apart. Trying to avoid being killed by a gang is one way of getting to know each other. Fatal Memories will keep you on the edge of your seat and you quickly devour the story to find out what happens to Joss and Dylan.
Another thrilling romantic suspense from Tanya Stowe! I love that this book takes place near Tucson, Arizona (where I’ve never been) and that I can travel vicariously to this setting and thoroughly enjoy it. The plot is tightly woven and there is plenty of action and suspense as Joss, a border patrol officer, tries to figure out her involvement in drug trafficking after she’s found in an explosion with amnesia. Dylan, a DEA agent who’s been working with Joss’ team, steps up to help her remember, but clues are spotty and attacks against Joss’ life intensify. Both Joss and Dylan carry a lot of baggage and hurt from their past which actually make them quite good at their jobs but become stumbling blocks emotionally. Their romance doesn’t pick up until later in the story, especially given Joss’ memory loss, but picks up rather briskly when it does. Even though it’s a shorter Love Inspired book, the characters are well-developed and the storyline is worked out well from beginning to end. If you enjoy a well-written romantic suspense, you’ll want to read this one!
I received a copy of the book from the author via Singing Librarian Book Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I think one of my favorite things about this book was the importance of our memories and how they define us. Tanya Stowe painted a vivid picture of what it would be like to wake up and not know who you are or what you believe. Its the first time that I personally stopped and really thought about what it would be like to wake up one morning not knowing who I was or why I was in that particular place. Great thought provoking moment for me.
The characters in this story work well together, they make eachother laugh (and me too). They both are driven, hard working and struggling to do the right things with the problems they’ve been given. Tanya gives good backround on the characters and really helps you feel apart of the characters decisions and lives in general.
I felt that in this book, as with all love inspired suspense books, that I was left with a great HEA, characters that have good moral compasses and a wonderful sense of not having to read another book to find out the ending to the mystery. Tanya Stowe did a great job at keeping me guessing as to what happened and why it happened to her characters. I am thankful I read this book. Tanya Stowes writing style reminds me of Colleen Coble, and Diann Mills in her style and and way with words.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the creativity, mystery, and overall story premise.
Fatal Memories by Tanya Stowe is a definite must read if you love romantic suspense.
Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker is found injured in a tunnel along with drugs and no memory of how she got there or why and now a gang wants her dead and the only person she seems to trust is DEA agent Dylan Murphy. Even though Dylan is attracted to her and wants to protect her all of the evidence is stacked against her unless her memory comes back and she can then tell everyone what she was doing in that tunnel.
This was the first book that I’ve read by Tanya Stowe and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
What I think you should know:
Fatal Memories is an Inspirational Romantic Suspense. Jocelyn Walker a well respected Border Patrol agent was found unconscious in a collapsed drug tunnel with a large amount of drugs. The problem is she had no reason to be there or with the drugs, leaving her as a suspect in the crime. To make matters worse Jocelyn has no memories and what she does not remember may kill her. DEA agent Dylan Murphy has been brought in to investigate a gang an in turn Jocelyn, however unlike her team Dylan believes in her guilt and will do whatever it takes to prove it.
What I enjoyed about this book:
Tanya Stowe, the author has written an action packed book that had me hooked from the first page. Joss was such a neat character, we got to know her as she learned more about herself. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have no memories, to not know anything about yourself. I love that one of the first things that she was really sure of was a bible verse. I hope if all else left me I would cling to my favorite verses. Dylan was such a realistic character, so many people let mistakes of their past haunt them and determine their future.
Who will enjoy this book( Just to name a few):
Fans of Suspense
Fans of Mysteries
Fans of Christian Fiction
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own
Fatal Memories
Joss is stuck in a tunnel hurt, trying to get out. She slips into darkness and then wakes up in the hospital. She has a bad concussion and has lost her memory. Will she be able to remember?
Bad guys are after her, Joss also needs to remember to be able to prove her innocence. Her brother is mixed up with it all but doesn’t remember him either.
Great suspense, fast reading book. Loved Dylan and how he tried to keep Joss safe. I recommend reading the book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
It is easy to love a book like this when the action never stops. Joss is a wonderful character who has a very hard job. Being a border patrol agent is not easy. In fact it is extremely dangerous. What caught my attention in the book was how detailed the author is about the location and duties of a border patrol. The author does a great job of making the story intense right from the beginning.
Joss has a lot going against her when she is found in a collapsed tunnel with drugs. How can she convince everyone she has no recollection of who she is or why she was found with drugs? Just as I thought she was going to be safe, someone tries to kill her as she leaves the hospital. If I was her I would begin to wonder who I could trust.
Dylan has been assigned to protect her but he also doesn’t quite believe her story. I was a bit upset that he immediately thought she was guilty. I guess being a DEA agent you have to keep your guard up at all times. He is very smart and is willing to risk his life to get to the truth. Someone is after Joss and he is racing against time to find out who it is.
The danger keeps coming as Joss and Dylan dodge bullets while trying to keep one step ahead of the bad guys. There is drugs involved which bring out dangerous people that will do whatever they need to protect their property. Joss at times wants to give up but is reminded that God is there watching over her.
The race is on as the story hits high intensity with explosions, deceit and an ending that will take your breath away. The book is well written and could easily be turned into a movie of the week. I loved the faith element of trusting God and knowing that he is always there .
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This is a warning….do not start this book if you don’t have time for reading because you won’t be able to put it down! Amnesia, illegal drugs, a missing brother who may be involved in smuggling drugs into our country, and a drug enforcement agent who finds himself very attracted to a suspect. The questions never seem to end and the intense action never lets up.
From the beginning paragraphs, as she describes an explosion and tunnel cave-in, author Tanya Stowe vividly portrays Jocelyn Walker’s fear and confusion at not being able to remember. ‘So why had she been alone, out of uniform, in a tunnel full of thousands of dollars’ worth of heroin?’ As DEA Dylan Murphy investigates, he finds himself very attracted to this border patrol agent but he can’t stop his questions about her possible involvement with the heroin.
Fatal Memories has intrigue and suspense but it also has romance and faith. Joss (Jocelyn) and Dylan both have guilt issues so how can they ever truly feel God’s love? Can they accept that He offers mercy and forgiveness? Is there any chance that they can share more than just a work relationship?
I have been a fan of Love Inspired Suspense books for quite some time and now I am a fan of Tanya Stowe. She has created interesting characters, placed them in intriguing situations, and delivered a fast-paced story. I recommend Fatal Memories to readers who enjoy Christian romance and mystery/suspense novels.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
My thoughts on Fatal Memories:
Fatal Memories is an amazing read. It read quickly and clearly. I didn’t have issues keeping the characters straight. The characters were definitely captivating and most were loveable. I could do without the Snake Man though. Snakes are just not my thing. Shudder.
Why does Jocelyn feel her brother is the key? How does she know he’s innocent? Or even alive? Who can she trust? Is she innocent or guilty? Can she get out of this alive?
Wow. Lots of action in this book. You’ve got a missing brother who is definitely connected in this somehow.
Jocelyn is fun. She has no idea who she is or what her family is like or really any idea about anything besides this niggling feeling that somehow she is a bit guilty. And knowing that she needs to find someone and remember something quickly. That doesn’t help much. And she’s definitely attracted to this guy who sings at her bedside.
Dylan has to find out the truth and fast. He can’t make decisions without all the facts but he can’t just assume that Jocelyn is innocent when everything points to her being guilty.
This is a fast-paced book and it’s a really great read. I 100% enjoyed it and the author really made all the characters come to life. It also makes you second think relationships and how well you really know those around you.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This was a new to me author, but I definitely plan to read more of her work! I love amnesia stories so as soon as I read the description of this one I knew I had to read it! The action starts on page one, which was great but I must admit that because the characters already knew each other prior to the start of the story and the book starts with an investigation that is already in progress I did feel a little bit like I was missing something, but it wasn’t a big problem and I was soon totally drawn into the story.
I really enjoyed this story. I love to armchair travel and the descriptions of Arizona were so beautifully written I felt as though I was there. The characters were great, and I was very impressed by the amount of character growth they both experienced in a novel this short!
Overall, Fatal Memories is a great romantic suspense novel that I really enjoyed. I recommend it!
(4 Stars!)
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Fatal Memories is another of the fast paced suspense stories that has me turning to the Love Inspired Suspense novels when I want a story that gets to the point but also has a well developed plot and interesting characters – and can be enjoyed when I don’t have time to read a longer book.
This suspense filled tale features border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker left with amnesia after injuries incurred under suspicious circumstances. DEA agent Dylan Murphy wants the truth about a dangerous gang and is determined to protect Jocelyn from their attempts on her life until he can uncover the truth and put an end to the gang’s murderous activities. Neither Jocelyn nor Dylan trusts the other completely but Jocelyn knows that she feels safe when Dylan is near.
I enjoyed this book, especially the amnesia aspect that kept me in the dark along with Jocelyn and Dylan. The action filled plot moved along at a rapid clip with more than enough danger to keep the adrenaline pumping. I admired how Jocelyn did not let her lack of memory slow her attempts to discover the truth, even if it meant learning something about herself that she didn’t want to know and how her circumstances were an inspiration that directed her toward the person she wanted to be.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I haven’t read anything by this author but I was drawn to the cover and description of the book. I was on the edge of my seat with all the suspense from beginning to end! I really enjoyed the characters Jocelyn and Dylan as they worked together to figure out a drug ring and who was involved. There was the added element of Jocelyn getting hurt in chapter 1 and having amnesia, making it difficult for her to work the case and know who to trust.
Lots of action, intense, clean romance…definitely recommend! I loved it!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Guilty or set up? Found in a drug runners tunnel, unconscious, no memory and a stash of drugs. Who does she trust when she finds she is a target and, a border patrol agent! Fast paced with over the shoulder danger and suspense. Action packed to keep you turning the pages.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
The book was addictive from the very first page till the last. The action and writer’s keen for details and story telling was remarkable. You could almost see what she was describing.
I got to meet the damsel in distress Joss in the first few lines and she became so relatable. Saddled with childhood baggage of loneliness and clinging to others just to belong, she threw herself into her job until God used a dire disaster to show how what’s important in live and that she belonged to him and was loved. She was hopelessly disappointed when she tried to replace God with man.
Her path crossed with the uptight Dylan who was carrying the weight of guilt from an incident that happened when he was growing up which made him view his job as a calling, a God given mission. Duty to protect everyone around him led him on a trail of putting down some bad guys and trying to clear the name of the woman he loved.
As they both were struggling for their lives and people they loved, they both learnt to let go of the past and embrace what God has for them in the present and look forward to the future.
Joss learnt to find meaning and fulfilment in God, Dylan learnt to let go and forgive himself which opened the door and his eyes to what God has for him.
I loved reading about Joss’ brother Jason and the sacrifices he made for the people he loved. Everyone needs a big brother like that.
One of the profound lessons I got from this book was that we belong to God and are His beloved. Our hearts would never find peace anywhere else but in him. We can’t replace him with people, things or our jobs. We are truly at peace when we rely on him.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
First of all I love the cover and how it fits perfectly into the story. The book had lots of mystery that had me wondering way into the story, just like Jocelyn and Dylan. Was she truly guilty of being tangled up with a drug gang or was she a victim of circumstances? Dylan thought she was guilty but Jocelyn had no clue. She lost her memory after a terrible explosion in a tunnel.
This novel held lots of heart thumping suspense as the characters were continually trying to stay one step ahead of the drug gang pursuing Jocelyn. But what did they want with her? Jocelyn was a respected member of the border patrol. Dylan was sent from Washington to help with the drug crisis at the border.
Even though romance was included it had lots of action with automatic weapons, explosions, kidnapping and disappearances. It’s definitely not a girly girl type book, but one that men would enjoy too. I’ve even got my seldom read husband interested. Come along with the gang (the good guys of course) for the suspenseful ride of your life. This was the first novel by this author I’ve read but I’ll be seeking out others for sure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
This was a great book of suspense and romance. Dylan and Joss are wonderful characters. I love how they both have to learn to let goof guilt to become better people. It would be horrible to get amnesia. I would hate to be in the middle of gang violence. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:9
You may hold your breath some of the time, you may even bite your nails, but you won’t put this down until you are finished! Beginning with an explosion, tunnel collapse and amnesia to ending with a kidnapping and hostage situation, this story just continues to get bigger and bigger. Is Joss (Jocelyn), a DEA agent, really involved in the movement of large quantities of drugs over the border from Mexico? Where is her brother and is he involved as well?
The author has done a fabulous job of keeping the reader guessing. There seems to be enough guilt to go around, from the death of a young sister to the disappearance of a brother. Will Dylan and Joss ever come to the realization that God’s mercy is free for all of us, we need only to have faith and believe that He had it all in control?
I received this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense through CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own.
An intense search for the truth
Waking up from her coma, the first thing Joss was aware of was someone singing a hymn. While she couldn’t even remember her name, she did recognize the melody and knew it was a hymn.
Amnesia is something that fascinates and confuses me. The idea that memories of people and events could be gone and yet the knowledge of other things can remain is so strange. And then, something can trigger the memories to return. Or not? Hmm.
I loved Dylan’s habit of singing hymns at random times and the way his faith was such a natural part of who he was. Though he had memories that haunted him and drove him in his work with the DEA, his faith was strong and influenced everything he did.
From the intense action as a gang attempted to silence Joss permanently, to the fight to regain her memories, Fatal Memories was a great story. I loved the strong faith element and the way Joss, despite being unable to remember her favorite food, remembered her relationship with the Lord and how she learned to put her trust fully in Him.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, I highly recommend Fatal Memories.
Read my review of Fatal Memories by Tanya Stowe at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Fatal Memories
By Tanya Stowe
Jocelyn (Joss) Walker can’t remember anything. Her name is gone. Her friends, not a clue who they are. And her brother, she doesn’t even know she had one. And worse she was found in a suspected drug-running tunnel with a large supply of drugs. Is she guilty? Or is she being set-up?
DEA Agent Dylan Murphy is determined to discover the truth. And Joss’s behavior over the last few days has him convinced that she was hiding something. But is it relevant to the case that he was sent from Washington to handle? Could Joss be a traitor in their midsts? He’ll find out and if that means using her vulnerability to trigger a memory he’ll do it. He’ll just have to tread carefully so as to protect himself and his heart after all he is one a mission to bring down those who caused his sister’s death.
Fatal Memories is an action-packed read that you’ll want to read more than once. Do you love mysteries, suspense, and romance that is clean reading? Well, Fatal Memories is all of that and a page-turner to keep you reading on the promise of “Just one more chapter.” So find a favorite cozy corner to snuggle into with a pot of tea nearby and get lost between the pages for a few hours of delightful reading.
Before this book, I was unfamiliar with Tanya Stowe’s work and I can say with all honesty she’s an author I will be checking out in the future. This book is a standalone so if you don’t want to be drawn into a series this is a great intro to an author you too may be unfamiliar with.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations or requirements – all thoughts expressed are my honest opinion and thoughts.
4.5 Stars
When Joss wakes up with no memory of what happened in a tunnel at the US/Mexico border, Dylan is determined to learn the truth whether she’s innocent or guilty. And all indications point to the latter.
Tanya Stowe sets the scene for danger, intrigue, and romance from the get-go. There are enough questions around Joss and her brother’s involvement to keep readers engaged throughout. Add to that a gang, multiple murder attempts, corrupt law enforcement, and monsoons amidst the backdrop of the rough, rugged, and beautiful Arizona landscape, and Fatal Memories leaves an impression—the best kind.
Joss’s career as a border patrol agent adds a unique element to the story even when she can’t remember any of it. And it’s through the memory loss of who she was that Joss discovers the truth of her deepest desires and longing.
Fatal Memories is an intense spring that kept me turning pages until the satisfying conclusion, making it another winning read in the Love Inspired Suspense line.
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.