Brooke Danvers is set to follow in her father’s footsteps as a law enforcement park ranger when a series of murders rocks her world. And when her one-time high school crush returns to town, things get even more complicated, especially when his story seems to be more than he’s revealing.
When Luke Fereday returns to town as an undercover agent hoping to bust a powerful drug cartel, he finds he must fight his feelings for Brooke to keep her safe. But as their cases become intertwined, they must learn to trust each other while sorting through their feelings.
Bradley fills her novel with many great characters, often relatable and flawed. Both Brooke and Luke must overcome past issues while also questioning their past and current decisions. They must both learn they are worth it and deserving of happiness and success. There are several fascinating “bad guys,” and even a sweet dog named Toby. And the author does a great job of leaving the reader wondering, until the very end, which of the characters is the “whodunnit.”
“Standoff” is not only a story full of danger, murders, deadly destruction and drug cartels, it’s filled with romance filled with questioning, longing and insecurities. It also deals with several other great themes, like lineage doesn’t define you; finding hope; dealing with lies and their impact; it’s OK to ask God “why”; and God’s grace will see you through.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
“Standoff” (Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #1) by Patricia Bradley