AUTHOR: Patricia Bradley
DATE: 2020
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****
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 Luke Fereday, it's also perfect for moving 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 his friend, park ranger John Danvers. John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder but 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?
Standoff starts off with a bang, almost an accident but shrouded in desperation and mystery, and continues to weave a tangled web of suspicion, desire, and betrayal. The taut pace of this story kept the pages turning with barely an interruption.
Luke is a man of many secrets, but his past relationship with Brooke threatens not only his job but his life—and hers. Luke’s Grandma Daisy adds a touch of humor and normalcy, and the danger-filled, tentative romance between Luke and Brooke adds anticipation of love to a story laced with death.
With many interlaced relationships, secrets and deceits, Standoff is a great read for anyone who enjoys romantic suspense and earns five stars. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions are my own.