Member Reviews

Love this fast-paced, action filled detective story. It's always nice to read a intriguing novel without all the bad language and sex filled scenes. Just enough mystery, a twist and lots of drama makes this novel a hit. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

In Irene Hannon’s latest romantic suspense, DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS, the reader has to be ready for a lot of surprises in the plot. Trish Bailey is an art teacher who recently lost her father and husband in a car accident. Now she is taking care of her mother who had a stroke and trying to help her mother maintain the family’s charitable foundation. Matthew Parker, the accountant who takes care of the foundation’s business has a romantic interest in Trish and is there to comfort her when her mother suddenly dies. The police are called in to investigate the death since it happened at home and there were suspicious circumstances. Now Trish has to wonder if she had something to do with her mom’s sudden death and she feels like she has no one to turn to. Police detective Colin Flynn, one of the investigators, is also interested in getting to know Trish better but has to maintain a professional distance while he investigates. This is where the plot gets very complicated, with the disappearance of a manicurist, the Russian mafia involved and what seems to be a dual personality in the bookkeeper. The tale is very well-told and keeps the reader interested in reading to find out exactly what is going on and who will survive in the end. An excellent Christian read with the author’s faith clearly shown in the reactions of the characters to life’s tragedies.

Was this review helpful?

Irene Hannon has been one of the Queens of Mystery and Suspense in the Christian Fiction genre for a while and Dangerous Illusions helps keep her there with its well-written intrigue, evil and apprehension.

Hannon creates villains that are complex, diabolical and interesting; Illusions gives you one that has a clever twist to the big bad of her story that you’ll thoroughly enjoy. I really liked how well-developed she made the character and my estimation of her writing talent definitely went up with this one.

The suspense starts off slow to get you hooked in while building up the excitement as you follow the investigation and learn more about the main characters Trish and Colin. The novel is slow paced but it works for this story and you do get the inevitable pick up when the action hits. The crime used for the plot needs more detective work than flash which allowed Hannon to show off her writing skills by giving us substance over filler.

You may find yourself going back to reread things but it’s not because you got bored or lost but because you can’t believe you missed the signs the first time and want to see how she cleverly played you. A satisfying ending was planned out though not in what we’ve been accustomed to expect which somehow made it sweeter.

When you get done with this the excitement only builds knowing it is the first in a new series so more will be coming down the line for you to enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS by Irene Hannon. Book 1 "Code of Honor"
Matt knew that refusing wasn't an option, his new life was over. The plan was laid, he was still a friend to Trish and her mother. Until the illusion
was no longer needed. For Trish two years of misery, with mishaps, and now accused of murder. Matt still by her side, but what all was his part in this tragedy. What follows is another twisted thriller that won't leave the reader, till book is done. Try to figure this one out, is not easy, her readers will love this thriller. Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This was a difficult read to get into. I found the plot stale and then was confused by the protagonist. I finished and I know my patrons that are Hannon fans will enjoy it. I will put it on the display when it arrives.

Was this review helpful?

BRILLIANT!

Dangerous Illusions (Code of Honor Book #1) is exhilarating from start to finish! Excellent characters - Trish Bailey is a fantastic main character. Moral, caring, loving, devoted to her Mother and her students and intelligent. Detective Colin Flynn catches the case involving Trish’s Mother’s mysterious death. He’s steady as a rock, by–the–book, dependable, but ready to take risks and act once he’s thought things through. The villain is one of the most well–conceived characters in this genre! The way Hannon weaves this storyline will have you hanging on every page! I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Revell. The opinions expressed here are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Trish Bailey has had a tough couple years and is devastated by a new loss, worrying that it was somehow her fault. Detective Colin Flynn's instincts tell him Trish is innocent of any wrongdoing, but he has to do his job and investigate the case thoroughly. She's been experiencing strange instances of confounding memory lapses, attributing it to the stress and grief. But could something more sinister be at work?

I always look forward to Irene Hannon's latest romantic suspense. She sure knows how to write compelling and unputdownable suspense. She has a way of crafting truly chillingly evil villains that set my nerves on edge. And this villain is quite horrible. The prologue definitely hooked me, but the pace was a tad slow for the first part of the book. But before long, it picked up. I thought I had everything figured out, but then there was a big twist that changed everything. I never felt much of a connection to the characters, but the mystery and danger kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I really loved seeing some familiar faces from a couple of Hannon's previous series pop up.

Lovers of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy Dangerous Illusions.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic new book in a new series for Irene Hannon! I love Ms. Hannon’s suspense series, and she does not disappoint in this one. This romantic suspense is engaging and entertaining. I did not want to put the book down while I was reading it. The back story of Trish and Colin and then the twists and turns of the book provided an interesting tale. The prologue begins with an interesting background, before taking you straight to the current time and learning about Trish and Colin. As a Christian writer, Ms. Hannon provides a clean romantic story. I enjoyed learning about the characters’ spiritual walk in the book. After reading this first book in the series, I am eager to read the next book in the series!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher to review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! Irene Hannon is off to a spectacular start with her brand new series. From the very first page, I was drawn into the story and found it almost impossible to put the book down. With a great plot, lots of action and characters I hope to get to know better in upcoming books in this series, I couldn’t ask for more.

I also appreciate that it is not only listed as Christian fiction, but it also follows through on that promise. Some Christian fiction books are Christian in categorization; only other than a brief mention of someone going to church, there isn’t one other thing about Christianity in them. This book is filled with references to prayer and the characters love for God shines through their actions and words.


I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

I love a book that throws me a curveball I didn’t see coming. Irene Hannon’s newest did just that—not one, but twice, making it an even more enjoyable read.
For the past two years, Trish Bailey has grieved, struggled, and stressed, but taking care of her mother gives her precious time with the only family she has. When tragedy strikes again, will she fold under pressure?
Especially the pressure of becoming a suspect in a police investigation despite her immediate connection to the detective assigned to her case.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing in the first book of Hannon’s Code of Honor series. A friend who is hiding something, an intelligent villain intent on pulling of the perfect crime, a strong female lead, a smart and protective hero, and plenty of sizzle to even out the intensity.
Readers of Hannon’s previous series will enjoy seeing some names they might recognize. We’re also introduced to those who will headline in the next couple of books.
I’m already looking forward to the ride Hannon takes us on next.
***I receive complimentary books for review 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.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book in the Code of Honor series but you will see characters from previous books too. Irene Hannon is a favorite author of mine and I really enjoyed this book. Wonderful mystery and characters and lots of tension

Was this review helpful?

I am a huge Irene Hannon fan and have been waiting for Dangerous Illusions in the new Code of Honor series to release. In a word...BRILLIANT!

This is such a fantastic suspense I hardly know where to start. Irene gives the readers bits and pieces of her mystery puzzle and makes them feel like they are "behind the scenes" and "in the know" on a real life crime scene. I usually figure things out fairly soon into the book, but I have to admit, I did not see the twists and turns coming, which only added to the suspenseful excitement. Dangerous Illusions is a real page turner, so hold on to your seat! The chemistry between police detective Colin Flynn and teacher Trish Bailey adds just the right element of attraction while they try to figure out how her mother died, and from there, other pieces of the puzzle that just don't add up. Hannon has given readers a first class suspense and romance all in one!

Dangerous Illusions is such a great story I'm glad it's only the first of three books in this series about a group of childhood friends and how they support each other throughout their lives. Book two's story will be about his friend Kristin and book three will be his other buddy Rick's story.

Until the next Code of Honor book releases, I'll be waiting on Pelican Point, book four in the Hope Harbor contemporary series that releases in April of 2018. Irene Hannon is a favorite must-read author who has only gotten better and better with each book she writes.

I appreciate Revell making a copy of Dangerous Illusions available for review.

Was this review helpful?

Dangerous Illusions is the first book in the Code of Honor series by Irene Hannon. Hannon's fans will be excited to see some familiar faces crossover into this series. Trish Bailey's life was devastated by tragedy with the loss of her husband and her father, and serious illness affecting her mother. Her life is on hold, and she is almost numb to emotions. When her mother dies unexpectedly due to a drug dosage mistake, Trish blames herself and becomes the leading suspect, Detective Colin Flynn is tasked to investigate the case. He quickly learns that foul play is involved, and Trish's life is in danger. Can he discover the truth and keep Trish out of harm's way? Get ready for unexpected twists as Hannon has once again created a great suspense novel. Like her other novels, Hannon has laid the groundwork by introducing us to other characters that will appear in subsequent books. Is is Fall 2018 yet?

Was this review helpful?

I love, love, love Irene Hannon's work and am always excited to see she has a new book out. Her suspense books are amazing; she starts out getting the reader's attention, then slowly ramps up the excitement until the end and it's fast paced to the finish! She is a master at what she does!

Was this review helpful?

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon is the introduction to her new Code of Honor series. In her last series, Men of Valor, I believed there was too much romance that outdid the suspense. But in this introduction, she has brought the suspense back to the forefront of her novels, which makes me really proud. With a romantic suspense, I know that I'm getting a little bit of romance, a lot of suspense, and reoccurring characters. With Dangerous Illusions, I received all that.
With her writing, Hannon does a great job at inviting me into the story. I never once had to guess where I was at or which character was doing the talking. I had that pretty figured out. She shows the internal struggle from Trish's perspective and the bad guy.
The romance was pretty laid back. I enjoyed watching Trish and Colin wiggle their way through the romance. Where they going to like each other or were they not? It wasn't too pushy, but Colin does protect Trish when she needs him the most.
The suspense. The number reason why I pick up Hannon's novels in the first place. It was gripping and kept my attention on what was happening in the story. It was different and predictable. I had a suspicion on what was going on, and I was a little off. The problem that I did have with the suspense element was that Hannon played her cards for the readers about half way into the novel. If you didn't know who the bad guy was by then, Hannon showed you. The rest of the novel was watching Trish and Colin figure out their budding romance and figure out how to bring enough of a warrant to find evidence to arrest the person. I would have liked to have watch the bad guy's perspective for as long as possible, but then figure out near the end if I was right or wrong.
Overall, Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon is a thrill-ride of a suspense novel with a hint of romance during an unique plot idea carried by refreshing characters. Fans of Colleen Coble will devour this book and add it to their keeper shelves.
I received a complimentary copy of Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Was this review helpful?

I knew I was going to love this book. It's written by IRENE HANNON, after all! I love her suspense books almost as much as I adore her contemporary novels, so each of her books go immediately on my must-read list. Dangerous Illusions certainly did not disappoint. With suspense, romance, detective work and big twists - Dangerous Illusions is a thrilling read from start to finish.

The past two years have taken their toll on Trish Bailey, an art teacher. When her mother dies unexpectedly, Trish is thrown back into grief and headlong into a criminal investigation. Could she really have been so forgetful as to mess up her mother's medication? Detective Colin Flynn is immediately drawn to Trish Bailey - who appears a strong woman despite recent events. But he has sworn to remain impartial during the investigation and knows he will uncover the truth - whatever the cost.

The suspense in Dangerous Illusions begins with a slow burn, gradually building. There is plenty of good investigation along the way, and this also leaves room for the main characters, Trish and Colin, to get to know one another quite well before the end of the book, when the action increases pace. I enjoyed the slower pace of this novel. It was still totally engaging, but the crime is not one of high-speed chases or flashing guns. Instead good detective work is needed to uncover the hidden twists and turns of this crime.

The book concludes with a satisfying ending, even if everything didn't go quite as planned or justice was not achieved in the traditional way. The whole thing might be followed up in the next book or, equally, it could be left as it is. There were also a few other loose ends, things like the medication that got mentioned but which was never followed up, ignored, perhaps, in favour of the action.

As always with Irene Hannon's writing, I really enjoyed the romance. Colin and Trish connect from the instant they meet - despite the difficult circumstances. And there is plenty of time for them to get to know each other, both through the investigation, and also a few times outside of it. Faith is also gently woven into the storyline. Trish is a strong Christian and uses her faith to survive both the grief of the past two years and the stress of recent events. Colin believes in God but struggles with the concept of a close relationship after the events of his childhood. Together, they work through the investigation, growing closer to one another and to God.

I'm really excited that this series will follow the Treehouse Gang, Colin's tight group of childhood friends. I can't wait to read more about both Rick and Kristin. And for all the teasing they lay on Colin for his interest in Trish, I think it's only fair that they fall in love, too. It will be fun to see them interacting as a group in future books. A few characters from Hannon's previous Men of Valor and Private Justice series also make appearances in Dangerous Illusions book, which is fun for fans of those books.

Dangerous Illusions is a strong first book in an exciting new romantic suspense series. And while you're impatiently awaiting book two, there is always the next book in Hannon's Hope Harbor series with which to comfort ourselves. Can't wait!!!!

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The Code of Honor series is going to be another winning series if Dangerous Illusions is any indication of what is to come. Irene Hannon is a master at writing Christian romantic suspense. This is a book that I didn't want to put down and I just wanted to read it straight through.
Trish Bailey is a dedicated art teacher at a school in a bad section of town because she wants those students to benefit like other those in better neighborhoods. She is living with grief after losing her husband and father in an accident in bad weather that left her mother dealing with complications of a stroke. Her parents have always had wealth and believed in giving back through a foundation that gives to various charities. Trish's mom has been working with Matt Parker, an accountant recommended by their pastor. Matt is very nice and would like to have a relationship with Trish that is more than friends but Trish feels no zing with Matt. Odd things start happening that seem to point to Trish's stress causing her to be forgetful. When a very unfortunate death happens, she is investigated by the police, led by Detective Colin Flynn. Thankfully, Colin believes in Trish's innocence but the case has to be investigated. Matt seems to take a personality change when he puts pressure on Trish to allow him more power and control of the foundation. What is going on with Matt? Can she trust him? When Trish is mugged, it appears that it is not random. There are many layers to the situation and players behind the scenes that complicate the investigation as Trish, Colin, his partner, Mac, and others work to solve the mystery. I have to say that I really tried to figure what was going on but was surprised when everything came to light. The story has a great and believable story line with well thought out and real characters. I am looking forward to hearing the stories to come, the next one about Colin's friend, Kristin. Trish is a person of strong faith that is needed to get her through everything that she has to endure. Suspense, romance and faith make for a great read!
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Murder, mafia and mayhem! I enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. It kept me turning the pages and guessing (incorrectly) until the very end.

Was this review helpful?

One of Hannon's best! Memorable characters and an engrossing plot have her new series of to a fabulous start.

I thought I had everything figured out, and then a bombshell of a twist led me in a different direction. Then I knew where the story was headed. . .

And Hannon dropped another jaw-dropping twist! You won't have the solution until you reach the final chapter, I guarantee it!

Excited to read Kristen's story next--but it won't be out until next year. Le sigh! Hannon remains on my "must read" list with "Dangerous Illusions"!

Was this review helpful?