The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It’s the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for park ranger Luke Fereday, lately it’s being used to move drugs. Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of … of his friend, park ranger John Danvers.John’s daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father’s murder, but things are more complicated than they first appear, and Brooke soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her. Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who’s going to keep him safe when he realizes he’s falling–hard–for the daughter of the man he failed to save?Award-winning author Patricia Bradley introduces you to a new series set in the sultry South that will have you wiping your brow and looking over your shoulder.
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Patricia Bradley delivers an intriguing romantic thriller with “Standoff,” the first novel in her new Natchez Trace Park Rangers series.
Brooke Danvers wants to learn the truth about her father’s suspicious death, but she’ll need the help of Luke Fereday–a National Park Ranger and her ex-boyfriend. Keeping Brooke safe will take all of Luke’s skills, and falling in love with her will only complicate matters.
I enjoyed the quick read where the author introduces us to the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. There were several suspects that the reader will need to put together to solve the mystery. Throughout the book there were many different themes, dealing with the impact of lies, finding hope and asking for God’s grace. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I recommend “Standoff” to those who enjoy reading romantic suspense.
I received a copy of the book from Revell/Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Standoff is the first in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series that promises to be outstanding reads. Danger is lurking in many forms along the Mississippi River and Luke Fereday and Brooke Danvers seem to be in the thick of all of it. Luke by choice and Brooke not so much.
This is not only a murder mystery but a tight thriller as well. With all the characters in play, I never really knew along with Brooke and Luke who could be trusted or who was crooked. And Brooke is going through a lot of emotional trauma from everything that is happening to her. How her life could turn upside down so quickly- from getting ready to become a ranger to her father being murdered, and then herself being hunted. It was enough to have my head spinning.
Throw in politics and a bit of romance, half-truths, deception, murder- and these park rangers have a full plate.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
What originally attracted me to this book was the cover, followed by the series title: Natchez Trace Park Rangers. As a lover of the outdoors, that was enough to reel me in, and since this is book one, I did not hesitate to sign up for a review copy. Thankfully, I did not look at the synopsis (a habit that I have adopted so as not to spoil any part of the plotline), because doing so would most likely have deterred me from wanting to read the book. Anything relating to drug cartels and the like just doesn’t appeal to me. As soon as I picked up this novel and realized what I was getting into, I began wondering if I had made a mistake.
However, my fears were quickly allayed as I settled into Patricia Bradley’s swift, engaging writing style. “Standoff” comes out of the starting gate with a shot (literally) and never lets up, forging ahead relentlessly to the last page. Short chapters also facilitate this, giving the impression of a staccato beat that fits how the plot plays out. While I enjoyed that the story never lagged, I have to admit that the abundance of characters is overwhelming. Each of the first several chapters is about a different person, all of whom are critical to the narrative, and because the story remains in the third-person, I personally had a very difficult time keeping track of who was who. Brooke Danvers is the only character who stood out to me, being the female lead. I understand that the profusion of characters is necessary for the storyline, but I think that it would be very helpful to perhaps have a character list, one that would be brief so as not to give any spoilers, but with just a few words to help readers keep the characters separate from one another.
Quintessential romantic suspense, “Standoff” lives up to its name in more ways than one. There is, of course, the drug ring, which becomes the concentric circle surrounding the characters, two of whom are vying for a serious relationship with Brooke while others want her dead. Add in family drama and personal conflict, and the stage is set for an exhilarating Natchez excursion, grounded in the truth that God is always with us and that He sees the end from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I really liked the main characters in this new novel by Patricia Bradley. Brooke and Luke were both well done. There are many secondary characters, and I admit to being a bit confused at times as a result. I liked the main storyline and the suspense…though it felt a bit too fast paced at times to keep up. I do prefer that to a book that really drags, though.
The plot was a good one, and over all I enjoyed the storyline. It had a little bit of a faith theme which I’m always looking for in Christian Fiction. I really felt it could have been stronger with the subject matter in the book.
I also liked that I was right in the “whodunit” question. There are several storylines to follow so the reader doesn’t get bored.
There is a lot that goes on in this first book of the series, and much is learned about the two main characters. There is a back history, surprises to the characters that aren’t part of the suspense plot. The author does a good job of creating depth to the characters.
It was a well done suspense, and I am looking forward to the next books in the series
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Standoff by Patricia Bradley is book one of her new series, Natchez Trace Park Rangers. I’ve never read Patricia Bradley and thought this would be a good one to try because of the unusual setting, Natchez, Mississippi along the Natchez Trace National Parkway. I was also interested in the storyline due to the Park ranger aspect.
Sadly, this story just didn’t work for me. I had trouble keeping track of all of the characters. In my opinion, there were just too many. I was never able to really connect with Brooke. She was too bossy for me and she never really acted like a person who had just lost her dad. This really took me out of the story. I also felt like the way the story played out was too predictable.
That being said, there was some good action and the romance was satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This plot of this book sounded interesting to me. I was looking forward to a suspense book set around park rangers, it seemed a little out of the ordinary which was intriguing. This book missed the mark for me. I found the writing to be hard to follow and the plot to be very predictable. There were so many characters and changing points of view with each chapter that I found it to be confusing. I didn’t like how the author provided so many hints as to who the villains were so early on in the book. I also felt like the characters were not well developed. They didn’t draw me into the story or compel me to root for them. Brooke especially was hard to like and understand. It seemed hard to reconcile that she would so easily pick up life as usual after the death of a parent. There were some plot twists and action filled moments which were great. The book had a very danger filled and fast paced conclusion which answered all of the lingering questions. I’m not going to give spoilers, but I was happily satisfied with the romance at the end of this story. All in all, this book wasn’t for me, but romantic suspense fans may want to read the blurb and give it a try!
Standoff is a fast-paced, suspenseful read from start to finish. Lots of twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end.
Brooke Danvers is a new investigator with the National Park Rangers. Her father dies, but Brooke knows it wasn’t from suicide. She unwittingly teams up with her ex-boyfriend, Luke Fereday and the two deal with the investigation which includes drug smugglers, murders, car crashes, explosions and other surprising events. There’s lots of action packed into this novel. At several points, I suspected everyone. The author is great at giving red herrings, and plenty of characters have dark secrets and potential motives for murder.
But even with the over-the-top action, the characters are well developed and likeable. Brooke and Luke struggle with unresolved feelings, but Luke’s hiding a pretty big secret from Brooke. Luke’s grandmother becomes the wise sage and dispenses wit and wisdom. Also, I liked the unique setting for the story set in small town Natchez, MS. Plus not many stories center around the National Park Rangers. The only drawback to the novel is that it ended rather quickly and I would have liked more.
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
STANDOFF..Patricia.Bradley
Brandon was an accountant by day and a hacker at night. He was addicted, he admitted to himself for two years, his dad warned him. He was an ex junkie
now dead,, the last site he got into was that why? His dad, Kyle , knew
something was wrong, he wouldn’t of used heroin. He still had the flash
drive from his son, what all was on it, now Kyle wanting justice.
A lot going on in Natchez, drugs, drug runners, a marijuana medical bill they are wanting passed.
Brooke was a Natchez Trace Park Ranger, Jeramy came by wanting to take her for dinner, he was a senator, and why interested in her she questions.
Also the ride along with her father was cancelled, and she wonders why.
Now he is dead, and they are saying suicide, he was a veteran Park Ranger. Luke goes in undercover and works with Brooke, to find the answers of what happened that night, with her father. A little romance, Luke doesn’t feel he is worthy of someone like Brooke. Then she also has the senator Jeramy, who likes her down to earth life, The beginning was set as we got to know the characters and the roll they were playing in wanting justice for a son and a father, The plot was good, interesting and how the pieces come together.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Baker for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
A fabulous start to Patricia Bradley’s new Natchez Trace Park Rangers series! Standoff has the perfect blend of romance and suspense, so fans of romantic suspense will thoroughly enjoy this latest novel by award-winning author Patricia Bradley.
In Standoff, park ranger Brooke Danvers is determined to find answers to her father’s suicide, which she is convinced was, in fact, murder. Luke Fereday is back in town with a mission to take down an extensive drug ring. As both cases appear to be linked, will Brooke and Luke become the killer’s next targets?
There are many new characters introduced at the beginning of the novel, which is typical in the first book of a new series, but readers will find themselves immersed in the storyline and trying to determine who the killer is. Patricia Bradley expertly sets up the storyline with numerous possible suspects to keep the readers guessing until the very end.
Standoff is highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense, and readers who enjoy books by authors such as Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Rachel Dylan.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books for providing a complimentary UNCORRECTED advanced review copy through Interviews and Reviews. A positive review was not required. All words are my own.
Patricia Bradley is a new-to-me author, although she has numerous novels to her name.
This is part of a series, but being that it is the first one, it is a standalone read. The teaser for the second one? That seems exciting as well. And, given how this one ends, it might be worth adding the second novel to the TBR (to be read) list as soon as the title is released. No word yet on how many books are in this series, or I have not been able to find that information.
The suspense premise drew me to the novel right off. As I LOVE good suspense reads (Love Inspired, Harlequin Intrigue), particularly the cleaner ones, this was at the top of my “REALLY GOTTA HAVE IT” list. Clean, suspense reads with law enforcement? Always a perfect read for me. But, this book featured a different type of law enforcement agency – park rangers.
These are NOT the “Jellystone”, bear-chasing type of rangers. Nor are they the “hey no campers allowed here; keep to the trail” type. These are the law enforcement, undercover ones. That really put this as a “gotta have it” type of read. And, that cover? Haunting, mysterious, almost ominous.
I’m sure it’s obvious – I REALLY ENJOYED this book! There were places I felt could’ve been expanded though. There was one scene that was only touched on that I felt it could’ve been expanded as it was left open. This was around chapter 70. Although I had a feeling what the findings would be, it would’ve been nice to see some conclusion or verification with it. This isn’t the only “hole” left open.
From the beginning this book was gripping, definitely an “edge-of-seat”, intense read. I could barely keep up with it. There were times I actually caught myself trying to breathe. The short, quick chapters made this a fast-paced read. I really didn’t want to put it down.
The element of danger lurked EVERYWHERE. And, it was hard to know who to trust. I certainly knew that Brooke and Luke could be trusted. There were some I had minor trust in, and there were a few characters (one in particular) I didn’t trust at all. Just right off, something threw me about the character. And, I can’t believe how right I was. I just had a nagging suspicion about the person.
I simply adored Daisy (Luke’s grandmother). She was the grandmother I would’ve loved growing up. She provided a calm; soothing balance to the whole chaos going on. Luke was an interesting character. He easily and believably fit the undercover role.
Brooke was a good character; though there were times I thought she was a bit immature. There is a stunning surprise about her parentage that ends up connecting to one of the plots in this story. That was something I had a feeling about as well – so there were two plots that were predictable, at least for me. But, I did enjoy seeing at how they were woven together.
There was one character whose status was never fully “concluded”. Even at the end, there was a slight opening for the author to update, yet it wasn’t taken. I am hoping that the second book lets the readers know right away whether or not the character survived.
As I am only going by an ARC, this could change. So, keep that in mind with regard to the two issues I pointed out.
Overall the book was engaging right up until the very end. The last three chapters were a whirlwind, whiplash trip. It did end a bit too quick for me, so I am eagerly awaiting the second novel – although it looks like the focus will be on another one of the female characters, I do hope the author wraps up Brooke and Luke’s story.
While distributed through Revell, which deals primarily in Christian fiction, there are minor references to God, Jesus, and his plans for our lives in this book. It is not a central theme or focus and used in context with Brooke seeing advice, and most of it coming from Daisy. There are no bible quotes, passages, or sermons. Church-going is only mentioned. While not a minor issue for me, it can be for some readers who expect that there will be more content. Other readers might enjoy the lighter faith tones.
This is also a “clean” read – there are no sex scenes, inferred sex scenes, or foul language. People who enjoy light Christian references and clean suspense reads should enjoy this.