
Title | : | Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage, #1) |
Author | : | |
Rating | : | |
ISBN | : | 0800737989 |
ISBN-10 | : | 9780800737986 |
Language | : | English |
Format Type | : | Paperback |
Number of Pages | : | 384 |
Publication | : | First published April 1, 2021 |
When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.
Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series.
Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage, #1) Reviews
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Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard
Book 1 from the Rocky Mountain Courage series. Contemporary romantic suspense. Second chance troupe. A minor touch of the Christian background with Easter egg mentions of characters from the prior series.
Detective Jack Tanner and Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors are reunited and working together after a plane crash leads to a suspected murder and discovered trafficking of ancient artifacts.
A quick start and continued fast moving action. Twists and suspenseful events in the forested Rocky Mountains. I prefer couples that talk to each other rather than make assumptions but they work out their issues by the end. They also learn to deal with multiple family issues that make their connections stronger. The heroine is smart and capable. -
Present Danger is a great start to the new Rocky Mountain Courage series set in Montana. It has all that I like in a book of this genre with suspense, action, some mystery to solve, and a second chance at romance. The scenic setting is easy to picture and the characters are realistic and well developed with some not who they seem, but with a mysterious background. The story kicks off with a search for twin children that turns into the discovery of a body of a local man. It brings together a couple who loved each other at one time but have been apart for several years. Jack Tanner, former FBI agent, is a County Detective with the local sheriff's office investigating the murder of the man. US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors, formerly of the National Park Service, is also investigating because the body is found on US Forest land. They used to be a couple so at first it is a little awkward but they work together as professionals to solve the case that soon expands to include another body and a few break-ins. There seems to be something going on that involves illegal movement of archaeological artifacts including Native Americans. With danger, action, and mystery of who is involves in the small town, this is a multilayered and complex situation to unravel and surprise answers from the past. Romance and faith top off this winner.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are mine only. -
This was an intriguing romantic suspense with Easter egg connections to the author’s prior series. There are multiple twists at the end that connect the past to the current chaos. It’s richly layered with a hero and heroine that are both in law enforcement. The setting allows you to travel without leaving town. Those who enjoy Dani Pettrey books will also enjoy this one.
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*received from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed*
Elizabeth Goddard has quickly become a favorite author for me, after having read her Uncommon Justice series, and I’ve since acquired several books from her back list. So I was thrilled to get this first book in her new Rocky Mountain Courage series, set in the same area of Wyoming as the Uncommon Justice series. In fact, in one scene a couple of characters from that series make a brief and welcome appearance.
The plot hits the ground running as the story opens with a small plane losing power and the pilot desperately trying to safely land, only to crash, leaving him injured and fearful of what will happen if he’s unable to complete delivery of a package. From there we’re off and running. We’re then introduced first to Grayback County Sheriff’s Detective Jack Tanner, and then US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors (along with other characters sporting long awkward titles!).
I’ve never been to Wyoming, but Ms. Goddard’s descriptions of the landscape make me wish I could travel there some day. Terra has vast knowledge of the mountains, which makes her an asset in Jack’s investigation of the murder of a local insurance salesman whose body is found at the bottom of a cliff.
As much as I loved the book, I will admit that the plot seemed a little more convoluted than the author’s other books, as I sometimes had to reflect back on previous happenings to understand what was going on, or felt a little confused. But that may have been an issue with my own concentration, especially since work has kept me so busy lately that I often could only read two or three chapters at a time (with sixty-five chapters most of them are fairly short). But that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. Along with the evocative descriptions, Ms. Goddard does a wonderful job with characterization. I love a good character study, and prefer character driven stories over plot driven, but Ms. Goddard’s books fall into both camps.
PRESENT DANGER is a well written and suspense filled story with a second chance romance. I can’t wait for the next book! -
'How had he ever walked away from this woman? How many times would he think about what a fool he had been?'
Elizabeth Goddard begins a new series, Rocky Mountain Courage, with this book, and she's off to a great and exciting start, featuring a mountain plane crash, disappearing pilot, a dead body, ancient artifacts, numerous family secrets, and long-held hurts. Talk about pulse pounding! And some serious guessing as to the culprit's identity! All my guesses were wrong. She adds layer upon layer, eventually pulling it all together in a dramatic conclusion. Well done! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the thoughts in this review are expressly my own. -
The direction your life takes can often come down to one decision, one moment in time.
This was my first book by Elizabeth Goddard, though I do still have a previous series to read as well, which I sort of wish I have read before this book. This book stands alone, but we met the McKade's briefly and I think one main plot in the previous serious was mentioned in this book.
Okay, back to Present Danger. This story started out fast and interesting, and there was a brief slowdown of pace for me when they discussed all the Archaeological laws and regulations. However, it quickly picked up on the action, danger and twists and turns. There was one main twist which was revealed at the end which I guessed, but the author did a great job with all the other twists and turns so that I was totally invested to see who was behind everything. And the author had me guessing a few suspects wrong.
I enjoyed Jack and Terra's back story and interaction. I would have liked to see a bit more about a romantic relationship re-ignited in the present versus only being referenced to the past one to support the ending, but I enjoyed that the focus was mainly on the suspense plot with a romance as a sub-plot.
There was one mystery not yet resolved which I'm guessing will continue during this series, since all the characters in the books are connected to one main event.
Recommended to fans of romantic suspense.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.* -
Following a plane crash, Former FBI Agent Jack Tanner, now working as a Detective in Montana is charged with leading a search and rescue mission. He stumbles across a dead man.
Determined to find the killer gets much more complicated when he discovers he will be working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors. They have a history, but there are still some unresolved issues.
More bodies are found and Terra makes a discovery that puts a target on her back.
This one seems to have it all .... family secrets. lies, threats, mystery, crime, a little romance. The plot is cleverly written with very likeable characters in Jack and Terra. Suspense starts at the very first and maintains a high level throughout. There are some twists and turns and plenty of suspects to watch .... some who are not exactly who they say they are. The ending is satisfactory .. a bit of a cliffhanger which will be the beginning of Book 2 in this series.
Many thanks to the author / Revell / Baker Publishing Group / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. -
*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.
Stars: 2
Synopsis: When a local is found dead in the mountains, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors joins forces with her ex-boyfriend former FBI agent Jack Tanner to find the killer.
Favorite Quote: “The direction your life takes can often come down to one decision, one moment in time.”
I’ll be honest with y’all: I hate romantic suspense.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I love romance and I love suspense. And what’s even better? The two of them together! However, I have the hardest time enjoying the genre romantic suspense. Nothing ever seems fleshed out or developed, so I never get into the story, the characters, the romance, or the suspense. And if I can’t get into it, odds are I won’t finish it.
So, yes, I was taking a risk on Present Danger. I wanted to give romantic suspense yet another chance—plus, the cover looks awesome. In the end, I made it to Chapter 46 (out of 65), before I knew I couldn’t force myself to read any more and I needed to get this review done.
Since I never write a negative review (bet you didn’t see that coming, but it’s true), I’ll try to keep my pros and cons concise and clear so you can understand just why I couldn’t finish this book.
Pros:
1. Goddard knows her stuff. This is kind of a pro and a con, but since I can appreciate an author who knows what she’s writing about, I’ll label it a pro. If you have to write about highfalutin government agents, it pays to know all of the details, names, processes, and information. Plus, she would give a quick and subtle definition of what those things were—like when she used an abbreviation or mentioned a certain position—for us dummies.
2. The writing was clear and focused. In writing a suspense, thriller, or other high-stakes sort of book, having clear prose is imperative. As much as I like it when authors wax poetic, I also understand when clean, straightforward writing is necessary to envision and comprehend.
3. She tried. I gotta give her points for trying. She gave her characters backstories, sob stories, and a few moments of into-the-eye-gazing (you know, those moments where time stands still and the hero and heroine just look at each other...and look…and look...until your eyeballs fall out). I do think that the whole joining-forces-with-the-ex-flame/partner trope is way overused in romantic suspense, but Goddard did have the good sense to leave some things in the dark (like the reasons for Jack’s leaving, both Terra and the FBI) for a while to increase the tension.
Cons:
1. There wasn’t enough development. You know where every single romantic suspense—or suspense in general, actually—fails?
The beginning.
Immediately, the story jumps into a plane crash and a murder and an investigation—and not only is all of that within the first three chapters difficult to follow, but I missed out on getting to know Terra and Jack.
So, suffice it to say that when I don’t know or feel anything at all for the main characters, I really don’t care if someone is stalking them or trying to kill them. Also, I have no idea what plays into their relationship because I don’t know them or their personalities. Look, y’all, personality types are important in suspense too, okay? A simple MBTI test can make your character 4-D and your story so much easier to write, trust me.
2. Everything was way over my head. Like I said, this is both a pro and a con. I mean, I can appreciate a knowledgeable, informative author—but sometimes I read for enjoyment or an escape and not to learn, so when 90% of the dialogue is focused on nerdy police stuff I don’t understand, I find my mind wandering tremendously. This is why I would love to read a suspense that’s about average Joes, people with regular jobs and lives who (1) have a legitimate reason to be chased by someone that has nothing to do with buried treasure, (2) don’t know any of this smarty-pants investigative stuff, and (3) I can connect with.
3. There was no emotion. Yes, straightforward prose can keep an even pace, which is necessary in a suspense novel. But, also yes, when your writing is devoid of emotion, the prose seems staid and stilted and the story uninteresting. Considering people are watching people die and are being chased and all, I’d like to see a little more emotion. Honestly, I guess that goes hand-in-hand with my second point. Detectives, agents, and officers are all trained not to have emotions—so to translate an emotional character into a story, you’ve got to have one that’s not a detective or FBI agent.
All in all, I’m glad I gave it a try, and I’ll continue to give romantic suspense a chance, because I know the genre has potential. However, Present Danger didn’t fully harness all of that potential, which is why I couldn’t make it through.
That being said, regulars of the romantic suspense genre who don’t have the same pet peeves I do will probably find this story interesting! It’s definitely very informative and different, and I know there are plenty of readers who have enjoyed it. In fact, my sister is giving it a go now, so I may be back with an update, depending on what she thinks of it!
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own. -
Wow. Wow. Wow.
I know this review is going to be on the longer side but just stick with me, please?
This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Goddard but I guarantee it won't be my last! I think I just found a new favorite suspense author - hands down!!
The characters...
are honest, relatable, and loveable. But not over the top. 5 stars!
The setting...
is beautiful, set in the middle of nowhere Montana. There is enough description to help me picture it but not so much detail that it gets in the way and trips me up while I'm reading.
The plot...
is stellar! I am one who can almost always figure a plot out from the very beginning but this one was so incredible that it genuinely had me gasping out loud until the very end. There were so many twist, turns, and loops that weren't even on my radar. It was fabulous!
The suspense factor...
is definitely there and kept my attention the entire time! That said, it wasn't as grotesque or morbid as some suspense novels can be. It was a nice break to have something fresh and something that kept my heart racing without making me gag! ;)
All in all, I can't recommend this book highly enough and I will definitely be scurrying to finish this series as well as go through Elizabeth Goddard's backlist! -
I didn't get a chance to guess any of the mysteries!
I have rarely found suspense that surprises me with the many I've read and finding many of the same plotlines yet Elizabeth Goddard manages to surprise me at least once every book, and with "Present Danger" I found that I didn't guess anything correctly.
The plot kept me guessing, the romance was a sweet second chance, and the family ties for both main characters were a touch that I loved, along with the wounded warrior who kept popping up.
The bottom line? "Present Danger" is another 5 star thriller from Goddard!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. -
Present Danger, an exciting start to a new series, kept me guessing as to who was behind all of the murder and mayhem going on. This story had a nice balance of investigation, action, and the possibility of romance.
I really liked that this was a second chance at love story. Jack and Terra definitely had a history. One that almost included a marriage proposal. And certainly one that ended in a broken heart for Terra and regret for Jack.
I enjoyed discovering the mystery of who was behind the moving of these artifacts and how everything was interconnected. I look forward to reading future books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c... -
This is the start of a new series by author Elizabeth Goddard, yes her books are autoreads for me.
This book was very hard for me to put down once I started it and kept me up late reading it.
I loved the thrilling nonstop action that kept me guessing.
This had a different twist than any book I've read before as it involved dangerous trafficking of archaeological artifacts.
Not only is this is a suspense book but touches on the importance of family despite working on a case.
Well thought out plot with believable character interactions. This exciting book kept my attention through the many unexpected twists and turns right to the end.
Pub Date: 06 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own. -
This story had one of the best endings ever! The way Elizabeth tied up all the ends of the mystery was so so good. The story was good with lots of exciting moments that keep the story moving. I really enjoyed this one and the setup for the the rest of the series with the back story of the three friends bound by tragedy in their pasts. Can't wait for the next story. I purchased the audio version and the narration was very good. Great read!
I received this book as from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. -
An airplane crash, smuggling of ancient Native American artifacts, murder, the hero and heroine’s reunion. Oh, my. Present Danger had me up reading until midnight two nights straight (I only get to read at night before I go to sleep) until I finished it the second night at one a.m.!
I loved watching Jack and Terra dance all around their feelings for each other. Both have serious trust issues and when they’re thrown together with someone trying to kill Terra, they have to work them out.
Jack is bound and determined to protect Terra, but she knows how to use a gun and doesn’t think she needs his protection until the killer almost gets her. The story starts out with the two trying to find the killer of a popular insurance salesman and quickly morphs into a search for artifact traffickers who’ve already proven they will kill to keep their operation going.
Several of the characters are not who you think they are and there are twists and turns that will keep you reading. This is a must for romantic suspense readers! -
Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard is a mystery full of twists and turns. This book kept me guessing right up until the end.
US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Conners is called to investigate a body found in the national forest. While uncovering clues and looking at the body with detective and former FBI special agent Jack Tanner, they find out that some illegal activity has been going on. However, they don't know who all is involved and just how widespread the activity is. At the same time, Terra and Jack have a history together from years ago. Do they want to rekindle what they once had?
Present Danger started out strong and it ended strong. The mystery was well done as I didn't figure that out until the end. I did think it slowed down a bit in the middle but I still enjoyed the book and kept trying to figure things out. I do wish that there had been a bit more romance but I enjoyed what was there. Terra and Jack also seemed to be people of faith but there wasn't a lot of spiritual talk. I found the main characters to be likeable as a whole and I was pulling for them both separately and as a couple. There was a lot going on in the last few pages of the book so it took me a bit to process all of that when the book was done.
Present Danger is the first book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series and there is a brief blurb to whet the reader's appetite for the next one, Deadly Target. After reading the first few pages, I can't wait to read that one.
I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions in this review are my own. -
Enter the fascinating world of artifact trafficking and find out what kind of danger agents get into while trying to discover the truth.
When Terra Conners went on a Search and Rescue mission, little did she know it would have far reaching consequences. How it would affect her friends and family, not to mention reconnecting with her long ago love, Jack Tanner. As they investigate a murder, everything barrels out of control. What started as a puzzle has turned into a run for their lives.
This was certainly an eye opening, exciting, hold-on-to-your-hats adventure. Terra and Jack cannot help but grow closer as they work together on the case. Terra finds she can rely on God to be strong when she is weak.
See what happens when Terra and Jack are under pressure to get the culprits before time runs out.
Another page turner from a talented author. The next book is sure to be another thrilling story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* -
Loved how this novel starts out with a bang as readers are in a plane heading for its demise. The author does not make known the results of the crash. Were there survivors or not. Then the scene switched to introduce main characters former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner now a detective in Montana and US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors as they are trying to determine if the person, they have found is alive. They were searching the forest for a set of twins and stumbled upon a body that had not been there long.
I like how the story goes along with the current investigation all the while showing the reader flash back to Jack and Terra’s were an item in their young adult years. This is an enjoyable intriguing story with complex characters I enjoyed hanging out with. I felt as if I were watching an action-packed movie as the story explodes on the ground, in the air and in unexpected locations.
This is the first novel in a new series. I am excited to see where this series goes next. The author says in note to readers, “…I’ve always been fascinated with artifacts trafficking���in this context I wanted the story to reflect a global issue, one of many that happens behind the scenes and in the cover of darkness – places like the dark web or even online and right “in our face,” as it were.”…”we can relate on some level. We all grew up watching and loving Indiana Jones, but in truth he is a tomb raider….”
I loved the Indiana Jones movies and found this book gripping and heart felt. So, grab your coffee sit by the fire and get ready for a mind-bending adventure that will make your head spin (in a good way). This would work great for your next book club pick. It is a wild ride you do not want to miss!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
www.bookfun.org -
This was my first Elizabeth Goddard book. It will not be my last. Set in a national forest, two law enforcement workers join efforts to solve a series of crimes involving murder and the black market. The plot was full of suspense and kept me guessing throughout. While the romance was predictable, Jack and Terra had character growth and development throughout the storyline that made them feel relatable. The story came to a solid, satisfying conclusion. I’m looking forward to book two in this series.
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"The direction your life takes can often come down to one decision, one moment in time."
Her deceased mother's advice still ringing in her ears, United States Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors is unsure about her reaction to seeing Grayback County Sheriff's Detective Jack Tanner again. Obviously, Jack already knew that she was back in the area but laying eyes on him again after that fateful decision, was still a shock to her system. Personal feelings aside, they would have to find an amicable means of working together; a private plane has crashed, the pilot has mysteriously disappeared from the hospital, and a respected member of their community has been murdered. And that's not all.
Jack Tanner had been conducting a search and rescue operation when he spotted what appeared to be a body at the bottom of a ravine. . . . it certainly wasn't the bodies of the two twin girls, the objects of their original search. After rappelling down to the scene, he comes eye to eye with the one person whose face has interrupted his thoughts and dreams for years, how could he have ever let her go?
As Terra and Jack delve into the case, the facts become more and more confusing while the body count continues to rise; but they have gained one cryptic clue; "Janus", the name of an ancient Roman god with two faces, one looking backwards toward the past and the other looking forward towards the present. In an odd sort of way, it also depicts the journey that Terra and Jack have taken, the obvious question in both cases remains, "Where do we go from here?".
Readers will definitely enjoy puzzling over this story while they savor the sweetness of a relationship tossed aside for all the wrong reasons, only to be put back together for all of the right. The pacing is perfect; continuous, mind-boggling action, with plenty of time for "unfinished business".
"I'm holding you close, that's what. I'm holding this moment close. I almost lost you out there. I can't let that happen ever again."
I received a copy of this book from the Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. -
Right from the beginning, I kept questioning the fact that this is the first book in a new series. It felt too familiar, like I already knew some of the characters.
I finally realized...it's because this series connects with the previous series (Uncommon Justice) Elizabeth Goddard wrote! I love that by the way, when old friends show up again...and although they did have only minor roles in this story, it was fun to see them pop in on occasion! :)
This book is action packed and full of twists and turns, just like a great mystery novel needs to be!
Jack and Terra have a history, and now they're thrown back together, working in different law enforcement agencies, working to solve the same crimes. It all started out as a Search and Rescue operation, when they're looking for some missing people, and end up finding a dead body they weren't expecting to find.
Ancient artifacts play into the whole scheme of things, somehow. Terra is trying to figure out why they are showing up, in Montana of all things. And then, it seems like she is being targeted herself, and she has no idea why.
I enjoyed watching this play out, and I had some ideas as to who or what might be behind all the killings...but I was kept guessing until the end!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 -
This was Crime/Mystery/Romance and this was just not my kind of book. The romance killed it for me. If every reference to the couple's eyes were eliminated this book could have been 93 pages shorter. Painful. Simply painful.
Aside from that, there were two main issues. One was how picture perfect all of the characters were. Always on their best behavior. Eager to please. This makes the story/actions/dialogue predictable. The last thing I'll mention was the narrator of the audio. I might have been able to go with 2 stars but the narrator pulled it down a star. She couldn't do voices and had a tendency to overact the lines. It sounded rough.
And just one more thing. Anyway, this was not enjoyable for me. So 1 star. -
The first book in a new series is always exciting, but this one was especially so since it has a beautiful setting and characters that are complex and who react in an expected and totally human way. Starting with a plane crash and a pilot who stumbles away and disappears, this book is non-stop action with lots of mystery that just keeps building. Detective Jack Tanner is working in Montana after giving up his job as an FBI Special agent and ends up working with US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors when the two of them unexpectedly find a dead body. Since the two of them have a past that ended with a split, their interactions were very interesting, bringing simmering romance into all of the suspense. The plot was intriguing and intellectually stimulating to me. I had never really heard about archeological artifacts being stolen and trafficked, but that is really what is going on in this complicated and well-written book. There are many characters, but all are necessary as they add to the mystery one at a time and build up what becomes a satisfying resolution. The twists were surprises to me and the pacing was perfect. All of the chapters just flowed one into another so it was hard to stop reading since I really wanted to know what was going to happen and who the villain was. My favorite part of the book was the description of the scenery, because each new place the characters went was described with intricate detail so that I could place myself into that scene. My favorite character was Terra’s brother Owen, a wounded war veteran who is a real “horse whisperer” and a true hero. Of course, I loved the mounting suspense and the interaction between the characters. It seemed that Terra was destined for danger, but I enjoyed watching how she got herself out of those encounters. I particularly enjoyed knowing how the characters were working out the mystery in their minds, sharing with me what they were thinking so that I could work on the mystery myself. All in all, this was a thoroughly entertaining and delightful book and I am already looking forward to book #2 in the series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I also received a complimentary hard copy from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Note to my readers: I loved this book so much and want to collect the series, so I purchased my own copy from Baker Books. -
Wowza is all I can say!! I am trying to figure out how to write a review without giving anything away... so here we go!! This is the first book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series and boy did it start with a bang. As soon as you start reading you are immediately intrigued and captured by the story. I mean it is definitely one of those you want to stay up all night to try to figure out who-dunit. It is completely non-stop action from beginning to end. There are some twists that I just could not figure out who the culprit was at all. The ending had me shocked and then Aunt Nadine drops another nugget of information at the end that leaves you wanting more!!
In this story we meet Jack who is a former FBI Agent now working as a detective in his home town. He has returned to take care of his aunt Nadine who is suffering from dementia. He has some things he is trying to work through from his past and also the fact that his former girlfriend Terra is back in town working as US Forest Service Special Agent. Their romance was cut short when Jack left to finish his training for the FBI and was never resolved so she is slightly sore about that. The love story between them does blossom throughout the story but it is very slow and not truly the focus which I found a good balance. I was so engrossed on the suspense part of the storyline that I did not miss the romance like I do in most stories. The author definitely left you sort of hanging with Aunt Nadine'c comment to Jack towards the end of the book regarding his father and now I have so many questions!! I can't wait until the next book and I hope to see these characters again!
I really enjoyed this story but that may be because I am a fan fo suspense stories. Like I said there is so much going on and you are trying to put all the pieces together that it's hard to put the book down. There is one slight drawback for me regarding this book and that is that although it is considered a Christian Romantic Suspense, the element of christianity was very weak. They may have mentioned God towards the end as in calling out to Him in time of need, but that was the only reference to it. I understand that Christian fiction books don't have to be immersed in theology and I don't expect that in all books because I understand there are times and places for that but I think in this book it could have been interwoven a little bit more. That being said it was a clean read and I definitely recommend it.
If you enjoy books by suspense writers like Colleen Coble and Irene Hannon you should pick this one up!
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. -
This is the first book that I have read written by Elizabeth Goddard. It was a very eventful book.
The story has links to the past. US Forest Special Agent Terra Connors is trying to live up to her mother's legacy. Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner wants to erase the legacy of his father.
Terra and Jack were romantically involved years prior, but Jack did not think he deserved to be with Terra so he left to prove his work by taking a position with the FBI. This left much heartbreak for both of them.
The book begins with a plane crash and the plot continues with murder and mayhem. You will not be let down by the author's ability to hold your interest.
The setting of the book is Montana and I could picture the beauty and danger of this mountainous area so well. Thank you, Elizabeth! -
Loved it!
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If held on to long enough, bitterness, grudges and regrets can create monsters.
Wow! The family secrets, people left behind, hidden agendas and more take the reader on a ride of mystery and intrigue not soon to be forgotten. Detective Jack Tanner and Special Agent Terra Connors have a somewhat muddy past - will they be able to set that aside and work together to solve this puzzle involving murder, trafficking of antiquities and more?
The danger never ends for our crime fighting duo. A plane crash, forest fire, kidnapping, murders and more secrets put them and their coworkers in scary situations. If no one is willing to talk, will the murders ever end? This edition of Rocky Mountain Courage gives you many things to consider. How often do we cover things up with secrets that end up creating lasting differences in us and others all in the name of not wanting to cause pain? Do we end up creating monsters?
This ARC was received through Revell, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited. -
Present Dange is Book 1 in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. While on a search job for some missing children Special Agent Terra Connors finds a body. She comes in contact with someone from her past. Can they reconnect? Jack helps her solve the mystery and as the story develops there are more questions than answers. Lots of twists and turns in the book particularly toward the end of the book.
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Present Danger is a wow-I-did-not-see-that-coming kind of book. Having read one other book by Elizabeth Goddard, I kind of knew what to expect, and was not disappointed. The story starts out with a plane crash and the edge-of-the-seat action continues as the body count rises. The characters are colorful and riveting, as well as realistic and either likable, relatable, or despicable. Terra and Jack had been involved in circumstances previously, and things did not end well. I enjoyed watching their relationship begin again and evolve into more than colleagues looking for a murderer. The dialogue flowed seamlessly without sounding forced, and most of the book, with its non-stop action, was unpredictable. I like how the author revealed things layer by layer, keeping me wondering how scenarios were ever going to work out. Readers who love exciting, heart-stopping mysteries will not want to miss Present Danger. It keeps you eagerly reading until the very last page. It is the first book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series and I will be looking for the next to come.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.