Book Review: Present Danger

9 Apr

The first book in Elizabeth Goddard‘s Rocky Mountain Courage series, Present Danger, proved to be a fast-paced puzzler. Main characters Jack and Terra put aside their past history to join forces in this intriguing romantic suspense. Recommended!

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He’s committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

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.

With over one million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies — a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. BuriedBackfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.

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My Impressions:

I was first introduced to Elizabeth Goddard’s romantic suspense novels with her Uncommon Justice series. I loved the rugged settings of those books and was excited to dig into Present Danger, the first book of a new series. Goddard has created another winner! I loved the main characters, the new-to-me Montana setting, and the twisting plot full of puzzling clues and serious bad guys. If you are looking for fast-paced suspense with a wonderful second-chance romance, this is the book for you.

Main characters Jack and Terra have a history. Their romance ended badly when Jack walked away to join the FBI. Now years have passed and they are both back in their home county — he is a sheriff’s deputy and she is a USFS special agent. Thrown together by a body found in the national forest, the two work hard to keep things professional. But those embers of romance refuse to die! The two have tried to live up to or live down their parents’ legacies. Always trying to prove themselves and feeling like they have missed the mark puts barriers up for their relationship to go forward. I think this aspect of the story is very real. Many people struggle with being good enough. The two are real and relatable — outstanding in their respective careers, but still vulnerable to doubts and regrets. Their relationship is a big part of the story, but the murder investigation kept me turning the pages. There are plane crashes, break-ins, murders, and trafficking of valuable artifacts. I needed to know whodunit now! LOL. Goddard kept me guessing to the very end. I seriously suspected everyone!

In Present Danger, Goddard introduced some characters that are sure to be the focus of future books in this series. I’m already intrigued! Can’t wait for more from this talented author.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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