Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others–but her days of helping military personnel are over. She’s got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she’s not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his … way–terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.
Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn’t there–but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can’t take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he’s not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.
When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack–and that her secrets go even deeper than his own–Asher vows to protect her no matter what.
Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.
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Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason is a fabulous contemporary Christian suspense and the first book in the Danger Never Sleeps series which promises to be a cracking one.
God has plans for all of our lives. Each one of us is equal in His eyes. Unscrupulous people judge others as to who is worthy and who is unworthy to live. Hearts are focused on money and do not see the true value of human lives.
We are all called to take care of the widows and orphans. This is played out within the novel as hearts are opened to those less fortunate.
There is the theme of PTSD. Some are learning to live with it. Sharing symptoms with others helps some to cope. No man is an island. We all need friends.
Crimes have been committed. The reader sees the law enforcement agencies working together to defeat evil.
Every day we make choices. We always have the choice to do the right thing.
The characters are realistic, well drawn, likable and easy to empathise with. The plotline is well thought out, intriguing and well executed. As the suspense ramped up, so did my heart rate.
I love Lynette Eason’s novels. They are always exciting and would make marvellous movies or mini-series.
If you have never picked up a Lynette Eason book, why not pick up Collateral Damage today? You’ll be glad you did.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Lynette Eason is a gifted storyteller of fast-paced, adrenaline-filled romantic suspense stories with tons of surprises and twists to the plot. She kicks off her newest series with Brooke, an Army psychiatrist discharged after a bombing in Afghanistan, and Asher, a special ops soldier who leaves the Army after a similarly traumatic incident. Stateside, Asher looks up Brooke for help with PTSD but ends up being her protector as strange and deadly events swirl around Brooke. Out-of-place activities within an orphanage in Afghanistan along with a grave of unmarked bodies seem like disconnected subplots as Brooke and Asher fight to stay alive and figure out why someone is targeting them but all of the pieces masterfully come together in the end to leave you shocked and gasping at what unfolds. The cast of characters is large but it’s the first book in the series that needs to lay down the groundwork for the following books by introducing all the people who will play major roles in future books. The characters are all quite unique so you won’t have trouble keeping track of who is who.
If you love romantic suspense, you need to read this book.
My heart is still pounding from the roller coaster ride that is Collateral Damage, the first installment in the Danger Never Sleeps series by Lynette Eason. This story was proof again of why she is a must read author for me. So much is going on in this story that it is hard to even summarize. It is full of action, nail-biting suspense, and just a tad of romance. I really appreciated the way the author handled the very difficult topic of PTSD in our veterans who have seen horrific things while serving the country that they love. I don’t want to say to much more for fear of giving away too much of the story. All I have left to say is if you have not read this one yet, track down a copy now and read it!! You won’t be sorry! I am looking forward to Acceptable Risk, the next in the series that releases next month.
This book starts with explosive suspense. Literally. Both main characters try to pick up the pieces of their lives after returning to the States from serving overseas. But when the news publishes a picture of Brooke Adams, her attempts at normalcy become impossible. Dangerous people identified her in the picture and now realize she has incriminating evidence of a covert, degenerate operation. With the help of former special ops Asher James, she sets out to find the truth before more innocents die.
Eason is a master of moving a story forward with no time to catch your breath. She provided just enough clues to let me solve the plot along with the characters, something I truly enjoyed. After reading the first two chapters of the sequel, I look forward to seeing what’s next for these characters and their friends.
COLLATERAL DAMAGE by Lynette Eason is a fast-paced romantic suspense. I was hooked from the first page when a bomb goes off in a cafe in Afghanistan. It kills a soldier suspected of treason and seriously injuries Brooke Adams, a military psychiatrist. Before the soldier dies, he gives Brooke a bracelet, tells her he is not a traitor, and to tell his wife.
Asher James, an army special ops sergeant first class rescues Brooke from the cafe. Several months later, Brooke has recovered and has left the military and is working in private practice. Asher has also left the military along with a friend from the military and is doing security work with him.
A story about the bombing is released with pictures of Brooke talking to the soldier as he died. Asher sees the pictures and makes an appointment with Brooke. He’s having problems with PTSD and thinks she could help him. He arrives at the office the next day and finds the secretary dead and fights off the attacker.
After the police take their statements, Asher drives Brooke home to discover an intruder in her home. Asher fights him, but he escapes. They realize the attack at the office and her home are connected and realize Brooke was the intended victim, not the secretary.
At every turn, Asher and Brooke are on the run for their lives, and at the same time. their attraction to each other grows.
There are continual twists and turns that keep you turning pages. I loved it from beginning to end. I did have a few problems with the book, though. It was a little too easy to guess the mystery, and I kept wondering why the characters weren’t connecting the dots. Another objection I had was a secondary character wanted to adopt an Afghani girl but couldn’t because she was Christian and the girl was Muslim. She wouldn’t lie to save the girl. I found that troubling because I think someone that really cared enough about a child would do anything, including lie to save them. My last problem was Asher’s brother. He was a little over-the-top for my tastes. But even so, I gave this a 4.5 stars. An outstanding romantic suspense.
Christian thriller…Still suffering from PTSD, Brooke is upset to see the picture in the paper showing her after an explosion. She is further surprised to learn that a former vet is her first appointment that morning. Recently discharged from the army and suffering from PTSD, Asher makes an appointment with former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams. When Asher arrives early to the appointment, he discovers a body and the killer still on the premises. This is the start of a very suspenseful book. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I didn’t want to put this book down once I started it. Brooke and Asher’s lives are in danger from the beginning until the end. Even though the story is mainly stateside, I enjoyed the military connection to the story and getting a glimpse of what today’s military experiences. I also liked how the story was told from both Asher’s and Brooke’s point of view. I loved this excellent Christian romantic suspense book and I look forward to the next one in the series.
Warning: Do NOT read this at bedtime! You won’t be able to put it down!
This fast-paced, heart-thumping thriller takes you between an army base and an orphanage in Afghanistan to a mass grave of unknown bodies in the U.S. How are they all connected? With multiple assassination attempts on their lives, Military Psychiatrist Brooke Adams and Sergeant Asher James work together to discover who is behind the killings and what they have to do with the orphanage in Afghanistan.
Collateral Damage brings action and suspense in the form of a military drama. Brooke Adams is an Army psychologist who is discharged after a bombing. Asher James is seeking answers after his friend dies in the same explosion while accused of treason. Meanwhile, someone is out to get Brooke.
The story is intriguing and will suck you in from the start. Lots of chase scenes and mystery keep the story line fast-paced, while the characters are strong and relatable. Brooke is a counselor who struggles with her own form of PTSD after the explosion and I enjoyed watching her discover her own inner strength but also her ability to put aside her own issues to help others. The romance didn’t distract from the story, and seemed more realistic/not staged than other novels in the “romantic suspense” category.
If you are a fan of military stories as well as action, look no further than Collateral Damage. I’m a fan of Lynette Eason, and this is a great start to a new series.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars (I loved it)
Suspense Rating: 5 Stars (lots of action and intrigue)
I enjoy this author so much and look forward to each new release. Thank you.
Whoa! What a ride. Lynette Eason has written an awesome book. From the very first page it is nail biting suspense and danger. I loved the look at the military operations and appreciated getting to understand more about PTSD. The two main characters are both lovable and I loved the romance element between the two. It was slower happening instead of jumping into it in the first part of the book. It happened slowly as they tried to dodge a killer. I really like Lynette’s writing style and I enjoyed this book immensely.
Great book. Love the author.
Collateral Damage is fast-paced and intense. Well drawn characters and plot. The tension and action will keep you turning pages. The real world premise adds a lot to the story. This is a great start to a new Lynnette Eason series. Looking forward to the next one.
Fantastic book with great characters and a tightly twisted plot. I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to more stories with these characters.
Amazing!!
Lynette Eason does it again and I’m so glad she did! The quick-paced plot sweeps readers from the dangerous and unpredictable setting of Afghanistan to what should be the peaceful, civilian world where a former military psychiatrist and Army Special Ops soldier can rest…
The action begins in the first chapter and doesn’t quit until the final page making this book a quick read but a very satisfying one. The intricate plot weaves high-octane suspense around the delicate issues of PTSD faced by both the hero and heroine in a way that has them depending and strengthening each other in their weakness. I appreciated the romance element in this story happening at a slower pace as I feel that’s more authentic to the plot and characters.
Lots of layers to this story making it one of my favorites of Eason’s and excited for the next one in the series!
***I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review and all opinions expressed are my own.***
SWOON! Lynette is combining her unique talent for suspense with a military themed story. I am getting faint Kendig vibes and loving all parts of it. I cannot get book two fast enough!
When a military psychiatrist (Brooke) and a Special Ops Army guy (Asher) start working to solve a mystery stateside, you know it’s going to be good! Close calls and dead bodies all point back to Brooke, and they are on the hunt to figure out who is after her.
This book kicked off with action, and kept your heart racing the entire time! This was one of those books that forces you to fall into the story and characters right from the very first page, and you’re sad to climb out when it’s all over. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Eason any more, she added another mesmerizing element to her writing technique that drew me in. I.AM.A.FAN!
I also can’t post a review without praise for her willingness to tackle the hard subject of PTSD, playing it out so well within the characters, and creating a safe place for them to heal, grow, and seek help. PTSD is so prevalent, and while we talk a lot about it, we aren’t always doing a lot about it. Bravo, Lynette, for shining a light in a very dark place that many of our heroes are living.
This book has a diverse and dynamic character base that you’ll want to figure out and pay attention to from the beginning. I am so excited to explore more of these characters in future books!
Fantastic beginning for a new series by this author. The story takes off right away with action and never stops until the end. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Awesome story! Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you Revell for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Collateral Damage
By: Lynette Eason
*REVIEW*
Collateral Damage is a romantic suspense thriller with tons of drama and intrigue, as well as un underlying Christian theme. I’m not a big fan of heavily religious stories, but this one is not overdone or preachy. Brooke and Asher are both veterans with traumatic events from their past enlisted time. Through circumstances, Brooke and Asher are thrown together in a mysterious situation. The author does an excellent job of revealing the layers in a well written and paced story that is compelling and absorbing. With their lives in danger, Brooke and Asher must solve this mystery before something unthinkable happens. I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were genuine, easy to empathize with and I wanted all good things for them. If you like romance and suspense, then definitely give Collateral Damage a try!
When I started the book, I easily got lost in all the action! It must have been the switching scenes that were happening simultaneously that caused me to go back and reread the first few pages. After that, I never looked back and read it in one sitting! The story captures the imagination of the characters who are returning to civilian life after active duty, which is portrayed to be easier for some than others. The two main characters are Brooke Adams and Asher James who meet while on active duty. Now, months later, they meet again when it appears Brooke’s life is in danger due to what she has in her possession.
The plot leads readers on an action intense story as Brooke, with Asher being her shadow, tries to discover what the nefarious men are after and keeping herself alive. I enjoyed the plethora of background characters that I am thinking the author will give a few their own tales for us to enjoy! I appreciated the fact that the former service men and women had to work on getting over their nightmares, their reactions to sounds, and more. I thought the budding romance between Asher and Brooke could be growing in future books, and I loved the way the author wove into their story how love can help heal wounded hearts.
This is one story that kept me turning pages for hours until I was at the end. I got a sneak peek into the second book in the series coming out titled, Danger Never Sleeps. I didn’t read the excerpt so as not to ruin my enjoyment when it is released but glossed over it to find out who the main characters might be in the next one and to see if some of the plot continues in book two. I won’t tell you more than that so as not to spoil it for those who haven’t read the book. Hope you grab a copy and then be prepared to read it from cover to cover in one sitting; it’s that good! Enjoy!
Lynette Eason always delivers a great read!! Am looking forward to the next one.