Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Puzzle Within
Series: The Game Masters #1
Author: Gina Holder
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense
FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who's been receiving threats signed: Enigma.
Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as "Nick of Time" turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette's security detail, his biggest concern isn't the threats—it's the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.
When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman's twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.
EXCERPT:
Nick whirled, facing his boss approaching from the corner office. A rising moon observed them through bulletproof windows. Silver light slanted across empty desks and cubicle dividers. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”
Special Agent in Charge Luke Santiago dripped with perspiration, his necktie unknotted, and his shirtsleeves rolled to his elbows. He extracted a handkerchief from his pocket, dabbed his brow, mustache, and sideburns, then stashed it away.
“What’s with the sweat? It’s got to be twenty degrees outside, and the heat’s been off for hours.”
“Ambassador Van Sloan received another threat.”
“That makes three, right?”
Santiago nodded. “He’s requested you for a special assignment. Security detail.”
Nick swallowed. “Protect the ambassador? I’m a risk analyst, not a field agent.”
“He’s aware. He wants you because of your ability to quickly analyze a situation and make sound judgments. Besides, you won’t be providing security for Van Sloan.”
“Not the ambassador?” Nick’s brow furrowed. “Then who?”
“His daughter, Bridgette.”
Nick coughed and ran his finger between his collar and neck. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable handling her on my own.”
“You won’t be. FBI is transferring someone.”
“Who?”
“Special Agent Powers.”
Nick raised an eyebrow. “Agent Powers? As in Arizona Powers, the one who flipped out after that Mitchell kid was murdered?”
“You’ve got the gist. She’ll be here first thing Monday morning.”
Nick had never met Powers in person, but he’d read enough news articles and heard enough scuttlebutt to know that working with her would not be without its challenges. According to the media, the woman had a personal vendetta against kidnappers, and her nervous breakdown and subsequent stint in therapy had been widely publicized.
“Is she stable enough to return to work?”
“Director Carlton assured me Powers is fit enough for this task. Take it easy on her, Trueheart. If it weren’t for this assignment, she’d be collecting unemployment. I’ll see you Monday.” Santiago turned to leave.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
About the Author
Gina Holder is a hybrid author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.
Connect with Gina by visiting storiesbygina.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of The Puzzle Within, and a pair of wooden jigsaw puzzle earrings!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 10, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
I liked the excerpt, thank you.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing about The Puzzle Within today, dear June :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe prospective couple is an interesting pairing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I would enjoy.
ReplyDelete