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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This mystery overflows with suspense and plenty of suspects. Drugs and danger have equal roles in this thrilling adventure. The fast-paced tale keeps you guessing, and the actual guilty ones aren’t revealed until the very end. The author knows how to create authentic characters caught in a complicated, masterful plot, along with surprises and a love conflict thrown in. The main character is a ranger, Brooke Danvers, who wants to follow in her father’s footsteps. When an old flame, Luke Fereday, returns to Natchez, she’s not sure how to handle his interference in her life. Will they continue in conflict or could they work together to solve the crimes mounting in the area? This is one you won’t want to put down. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Standoff by Patricia Bradley is the first book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, and what a start! Loaded with action, I was captivated by all the explosive events and the perfectly paced, unfolding mystery.
The layers of evidence mounted throughout the story, but the whodunit was cleverly kept revealed until the end by carefully constructed red herrings. I found myself contemplating all the suspects while not even reading the book! I couldn’t get it out of my mind!
Being from a small town, I appreciated the small-town feel of this story. I loved the tight knit community and how the characters had a past with each other that complicated the story and the list of suspects.
If you love romantic suspense (Terri Blackstock, Colleen Coble) you will enjoy this thrilling story!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Great start to a brand new series!
I loved the main characters Luke and Brooke and how their past friendship made it easier for them to work together to figure out the deaths in their town. Lots of steady action and suspense from beginning to end which kept my interest and had me reading this book in one day because I didn’t want to stop. Can’t wait to read more in this Park Ranger series. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Standoff
Natchez Trace Park Rangers #1
By Patricia Bradley
Brooke Danvers is about to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a park ranger. Law enforcement is in her genes, as she likes to tell anyone who questions her decision. But just days before she is to be sworn in her father, John Danvers is dead. Brooke knows it is murder even if the evidence at the scene points to something else.
Luke Fereday knows that John Danvers died in the line of duty, but he got the message from John too late. He can’t let Brooke learn the truth, or his cover will be blown. Brooke is determined to get to the truth, but doing so will put her in the killer’s sights. Luke will do all he can to keep her safe and to not fall in love with her again.
The drug cartel has its finger in everything and knowing who can be trusted limits who can help Brooke as her investigation takes a dangerous turn. As the death toll along in Natchez goes up time is against Luke and Brooke in finding the killer or killers.
Standoff is the first book in a new series that takes the reader to Natchez, Mississippi. Secrets abound in the sultry southern climate – secrets that could change everything if they are exposed. Secrets that someone is determined to keep hidden.
There are plenty of potential suspects and several of them at times seem more likely than others to be the murderer. But the truth is pretty well obscured leaving the reader wondering is it? But until the climax one is never sure just who is involved in the death of John Danver and the subsequent killings and attacks.
I like getting to know Brooke and Luke but I really like Luke’s grandmother Daisy – she is one lady with a head for reason on her shoulder’s who I would love getting to know better. And for those who love a dog with personality in their books you’ll get to meet Toby a dachshund (having a herd of dachsies myself I totally loved having Toby in the book!). After reading the short excerpt of the book I can’t wait for what comes next!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
What a start to Patricia’s new suspense series. I really enjoyed this quick and easy read that introduces us to the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. The mystery was very good. There were several suspects and pieces to fit together to solve the mystery which made for an exciting read. I am looking forward to more in this series!!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
How I haven’t heard of Patricia Bradley before is a mystery to me! The cover of Standoff grabbed my attention before I even read the plot. It’s book 1 in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series.
First, there is a LOT going on in this story. I should’ve probably had a notebook next to me so I could keep track of how things were connected and who was connected to who. Thankfully it wasn’t so much that I couldn’t keep up. HA!
Can I just say I feel sorry for Brooke? All the gal wants to do is be sworn in as a park ranger, but calamity after calamity seems to want to keep that from happening. I just shared on Instagram that I don’t trust anyone other than Brooke and Luke in this story. Then several chapters after that, it says, “At this point, Luke didn’t trust anyone except Brooke.” EXACTLY! Me either, buddy! The author literally kept me guessing.
Something I don’t come across in most books is super short chapters. An author might put a break in a chapter when they move to a different character’s POV, but in Standoff, she creates a new chapter. I actually liked it and it didn’t phase me one bit. In fact, it helped give me random stopping points when needed.
I liked Brooke because, man, she was determined. She wasn’t going to let the events around from putting her work off or from finding out what happened to her father. Whether sworn in or not, she was going to take care of business.
Luke on the other hand was always on the job. Dead bodies here, drugs being dealt there, figuring out how to keep everyone safe, the guy doesn’t catch a break. I appreciated how he stayed true to his job because he had such a huge case to solve, but gave help to Brooke when she needed it the most, even when it jeopardized his life.
It was nail biting as things began to ramp up. The whole story was intense from start to finish, but as it led up to the culmination of who-done-it… I still wasn’t sure, and the author left several red herrings to be sure! The ending was a bit abrupt, and I did have a question about one of the main characters who we didn’t get closure with. I’m wondering if it’ll be covered in book 2, which thankfully we’re given a sample of at the end of this book!
*I received this book from Revell for review. This is my opinion.
Standoff by Patricia Bradley is the first book in her Natchez Trace Park Ranger series. Brooke Danvers is set to follow in her Dad’s footsteps and become a Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officer. When her father is murdered, she vows that she will find who killed him. Luke Fereday is sent to Natchez to find the drug cartel that is smuggling drugs up the Trace. What he didn’t count on was falling for Brooke. Can he keep her safe from those who want her dead? The characters were pretty predictable. By the second chapter I had already figured out who the villains were. There’s a lot of action with some romance thrown in. All in all, it was a good story I just wish it hadn’t been so obvious.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
This was my first time to read Patricia Bradley, and it definitely won’t be my last! I instantly connected with this story, because I’m a Louisiana/Mississippi girl myself, so the Natchez Trace automatically swept me in.
There were several twists and turns I wasn’t expecting (some were heart-wrenching!). Some that I did guess, so it was a balance between the two. And yes, I did know who the “bad guys” were from the first third of the book, but I did still enjoy reading how everything played out. I thought the suspense was solid and well-written and the mystery element was pretty good too.
The Christian content was more in the form of Daisy’s mentorship than the actual two main character’s personal Christian walk. It mentioned Brooke going to church, but Luke didn’t because of dangerous work—which, I’m not faulting it for that. There was a moral lesson, more from Brooke’s side than Luke’s (now that I think of it, I don’t really know of a big “lesson” Luke learned other than not being afraid to settle down). Personally, I felt it was more of a moral read than a Christian read.
The chemistry between Brooke and Luke was great. There was a sort of love triangle going on with Jeremy added as well. Judging it just based on that, it was very well done. However, when my seventeen-year-old sister asked if she could read this, I was hesitant, because it did focus a lot on the physical attractions. There was only one kiss, but it was semi-detailed.
Gripping writing is a definitely 5-star for me.
Christian/romance theme makes it more of a 4-star. So we’ll go with the invisible 4.5 star.
This definitely has me looking forward to the next book in the series!
*I received this book from the publisher and happily provided my honest review*
In a brand-new series, Patricia Bradley weaves a plot of intrigue, danger, and duplicity from the first pages of Standoff.
There is a lot going on in this book and multiple characters to keep track of. There are a few hints about who might be involved in the crimes happening in the Natchez National Parks. Bradley introduces readers to the beauty as well as the darkness of the Natchez, Mississippi area.
In addition to solving the crime, there is quite a bit of personal drama happening in Brooke’s life that ramps up the intensity and emotion of the story. I would have liked to delve a little more into Luke’s history, though.
Overall, Standoff gives readers a peek into different areas of National Park roles and some dangers that surround them. I look forward to where Bradley will next take us in the series.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Standoff is the first book in Patricia Bradley’s new Natchez Trace – Park Rangers series. Her readers can count on fast-paced suspense, snappy dialogue, and quirky characters with at least one determined villain thrown in the mix. Standoff provides all that and more. As the suspense (and romance) builds, and the death count rises, we’re kept guessing about the identity of the villain, but in Standoff, Bradley gives much more. She is an author who constantly studies her craft to up her game. Readers are saying this is her best book yet, and I agree. That is especially true because of how she develops the emotional depth of her characters. Mid-way through the story, her protagonist, Brooke, makes the discovery that rocks her world and puts her in the crosshairs of danger. Former flame, Luke, can’t let himself care for her or blow his cover, which would interfere with him catching criminals and saving lives—except he does care. Brooke’s painful while having to redefine all parts of her life sticks with readers. Her emotional journey requires as much courage as stepping in front of any gun. It’s rooted in substance and leaves readers with plenty to think about besides the challenge of trying to solve the crime. I did receive a review copy of Standoff but this high recommendation is my own. I sincerely hope Bradley writes many more books.
Packed full of action with a touch of romance, this novel will keep you guessing who the drug runners are, who murdered Brook Danvers’ park ranger dad, and which love interest will win her heart. Unexpected twists will keep readers intrigued and turning the page.
Brook looks forward to being sworn in as a law enforcement ranger and being trained by her father, but all that changes when he’s found dead in Natchez. In her search to find the killer, Brook finds herself the killer’s next target.
Luke Fereday arrives in Natchez to investigate a drug ring. He meets up with Brook and must keep his undercover status confidential, but finds it difficult when she questions him. Amidst his tense investigation, he takes on dual roles, infiltrating a drug ring and protecting Brook.
Will Brook forgive Luke for skipping out on her years earlier? Will she unravel the case and find the murderer before he kills her?
Patricia Bradley delivers a captivating, well-written romantic suspense novel that you’ll absorb like a sponge. Her research of the Natchez Parkway is evident as she describes the different scenes and the dangers the National Park hides within the depths of its beauty. You won’t be disappointed!
I give this book five stars.
I received a free copy of this novel from Revell for my honest review. All words are my own.
Standoff
(Natchez Trace Park Ranger, Book 1)
By
Patricia Bradley
If you love a book with suspense, intrigue and romance, this is a page turner for you. I just love a book that catches my eye from the cover to the very first page. I spent most of the book wondering what’s going to happen next and “WHO” did it!
Patricia Bradley made the characters likable. The main character is Brooke, a Natchez park ranger, whom is investigating the death of her father. There was also Luke a childhood friend, whom just came back to town after being gone for 14 years. There’s also Jeremy, he’s goal is to move up in politics. Both men have a secret they are trying to keep from Brooke.
Get the book and find out what the secrets are and see all the twist and turns for yourself!
I’m giving this book a 5 out of 5
I received this complimentary copy from Revell and netgalley. I was under no obligation to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
A drug deal gone bad is the basis for Patricia Bradley’s newest novel Standoff. With plenty of action and a budding romance, Bradley grasps readers by the first chapter and doesn’t let go until the climactic ending. The suspense is just right for fans of romantic suspense. The tension keeps escalating as the story progresses. The romance kept flittering between two main male characters until it reached its predictable ending. The story concept wasn’t that original, but it didn’t take away from me wanting to finish the story. Overall, Standoff by Patricia Bradley was an enjoyment for fans of romantic suspense. I think fans of her previous novels, Colleen Coble, or DiAnn Mills would enjoy this story.
I received a complimentary copy of Standoff by Patricia Bradley from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell at Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
This is a solid three stars read in my opinion for romantic suspense with the biggest points given for suspense, setting and educational details. I really enjoyed learning more about the Natchez Trace and its surrounding area. Bradley does an excellent job of bringing the cultural, historical and scenic aspects of the location to life. The suspense builds over the course of the novel and a little over halfway through, the book really snagged my attention. Another great feature of this novel is how Bradley integrated the various roles of the park ranger service positions. As a result, I learned many things I did not already know.
What kept me from tipping this book over into the four star category were the characters and the ending. The amount of characters and multiple viewpoints in the beginning of this story left me a little confused and jumped around too often for my taste. I was not able to connect well with the main characters in this story, unfortunately, but I really wanted to! Brooke came across as a bit immature at her supposed age and the narrative that her parents did not support her becoming law enforcement was too repetitive. While I understood why Luke did the things he did to protect his undercover status, I felt he did not have enough internal conflict over lying to someone he considered a good friend and was developing deeper feelings for thus making him appear shallow. However, I did appreciate his heroism and protective nature over Brooke. As for the ending, well, it wrapped up really fast with a romantic suspense novel cliche and left little to be savored for me.
Overall, the book was good and just that. For me, it redeemed itself about 2/3 of the way through when I felt hooked and wanted to know how the suspense played out. The romance aspect strengthened and I enjoyed the deeper dive into the characters feelings and thoughts. The suspense was great right from the start, and moved along well while the plot was pretty strong. And again, the historical, educational and location aspects were really enjoyable. As a result, I Am looking forward to giving the second book in this series a read when it releases! This book is appropriate for readers 16+.
This is a great start to a new series! I liked the action and the twists and turns as we followed Brooke and Luke trying to solve mysteries before it was too late. It took me a few chapters to keep the characters straight, but this also allowed the story to contain some complexity, as there were several characters that fit the villain description, and kept me guessing well into the book. I liked the background of the novel, and could easily picture the humid summer setting. There is a bit of a love triangle, which made the romance not altogether predictable. I did think that the ending felt a bit rushed as several loose ends tied up quickly, but it was a satisfying conclusion. I think one of the secondary characters is going to be the main character in the next book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Running for Her Life!
In just a few days, Brooke’s father has died, she has been shot at and run off the road. She surprised a burglar who then beat her up, and she has been in an explosion. Luke, literally the boy next door, has come back into her life acting like everything should be the same between them. This is despite the fact he has been gone for over a decade.
What is going on? How could her father be accused of suicide, why is someone trying to kill her, and will she figure it out before it is too late?
From the first page, this story hits the ground running with lots of action and characters. There are undercover agents, a sting operation, and the most dangerous person of them all is someone she knows well, but she hasn’t quite figured out who.
The author kept me guessing the identity of the guilty party, up until the end, I did not solve it. This clean story, written from a Christian point of view, will keep you on your toes while you enjoy well developed characters and an entertaining story. I recommend this 5-star book to those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers with a touch of romance.
Revell Reads has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Standoff, for the purpose of review.
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a wild ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Brooke is getting ready to be sworn in as a park ranger LE. Luke is a ranger working undercover to expose a drug cartel that is moving heroin through the parkway. There is a secret character that is working for the cartel and dropping off drugs. He is caught on camera in action and is working to keep his identity a secret even if it means killing those that get in his way.
This was a great story full of action, suspense, and renewed friendships. And yes a little bit of romance too. The fact that I had traveled on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Miss. made it more interesting. It’s a beautiful place when it can be enjoyed fully. I kept trying to figure out who the secret character was but was surprised when I found out the truth. This was an excellent read by Patricia Bradley and I’m looking forward to book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review.
This was such an intense read. I can’t wait to read all the author’s work. From the first page I was drawn into the lives of the characters. I felt so bad for the main character losing her dad. Even though the book was suspenseful and had tragedy, it was still inspirational without being preachy for those who are reluctant to pick up any book close to that. I loved how the author wrote the characters and surrounding where you feel like you’re there. I was on pins and needles at times, feeling like I was hiding out undercover. I just can’t say enough. There were twists and turns and I was so torn on who to trust, especially the two men wanting to court Brooke.
This is the first in Patricia Bradley’s “Natchez Trace Park Rangers” series and it is also the first book I’ve read by this author. This book was definitely heavier on the suspense than the romance to me. I thought that Patricia Bradley did a good job of developing her characters in this novel as well as making several people look like they could be the guilty party. Though some say that she made it obvious who the bad guy was from too early in the book, I felt like she did throw some things in that made it so you could have questioned it a little. Of course for me personally, I do not mind if a can easily figure out who did it early on in the book. It does not take the joy of reading the book away from me. So if you enjoy reading books that are suspenseful whether or not you can tell who the villain is early on, then I would say this book is for you. I will definitely be reading more books by Patricia Bradley.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to write an honest review.
Standoff is an explosive beginning to a new series by Patricia Bradley. This is a great read for lovers of romantic suspense because there is plenty of both!
The story starts with the death of Brooke Danvers father, a park ranger in Natchez Trace Park. The death is ruled a suicide, but Brooke is not a believer. Brooke has followed in her father’s footsteps and become a park ranger herself. She along with fellow ranger and ex-boyfriend, Luke Fereday, begin a pursuit looking for answers surrounding her father’s mysterious death. Unknown to Brooke, Luke has returned to town to investigate a local drug ring.
Readers are presented several possible suspects and there are twists and turns along the way as well as one complete at total surprise I didn’t see coming at all! You won’t be disappointed by the non-stop action and page-turning suspense. Definitely looking forward to the rest in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.