Deadly Target was written by Elizabeth Goddard and is book two in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. It is not necessary to have read book one in order to read this one.

Summary: Erin Larson just wants to live her life in the present, and shut out the past. She is working towards the job she’s always wanted, and has a fledgling podcast she’s determined to get off the ground.

But strange and dangerous things are happening in her life. She and a friend are almost killed in a boating accident, and then she discovers her mother has just tried to commit suicide. Erin rushes home to take care of her mother, and finds herself colliding with the man she’s tried to forget-Nathan.

She’s never gotten over him, but she left because she knows he can never find out her deadly secret. A secret that would change everything.

When Nathan’s father is shot, Erin and Nathan begin to suspect that each tragedy might be related to each other.

A desperate search for answers takes them on a dangerous quest-one not everyone will survive.

Can they find out the truth before more people are hurt? And does all of this somehow have something to do with the secret Erin has been hiding?

My Thoughts: I do not think this book could have contained more action. There was something happening constantly. I enjoyed it, to be sure, but I will say it was so much that it was like HOW can they possibly still be alive??? It was a lot.

But, it was exciting.

There was plenty of mystery, intrigue, and some romance in this one.

I enjoyed it, and if you like action-packed mysteries, this one will probably be up your alley as well.

I would like to thank Revell for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Deadly Target, by Elizabeth Goddard, is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. A heart-stopping blend of mystery, suspense, action, faith, and romance make this book especially entertaining. With vivid storytelling that is rich in setting, characterization, and plot, this novel is absolutely gripping. Themes of truth, restoration, faith, courage, and second chances add depth to a story that is utterly captivating.
  
In Deadly Target, the Rocky Mountain setting adds elements of beauty and danger to the story. This setting, with its rushing river and forested trails, is essential as it enhances the overall sense of secrecy and danger. Abounding with sensory details, the setting is immersive and relevant.
  
Like the setting, the characters in this book are also compelling. As they work diligently to make sense out of clues that multiply following dangerous and difficult events, they show themselves to be determined and perceptive. Their insecurities are relatable, their motivations are authentic, and they are genuinely sympathetic in their search for meaning and answers. As solutions begin to reveal themselves, the characters also discover that hope, healing, and forgiveness may be available to them as well.

With superb pacing, the well-developed plot creatively discloses important facts and details. Plenty of twists and surprises slowly reveal the truth behind several destructive and troubling events. Page after page, this novel offers a reading experience that is thoroughly riveting and unforgettable.  
  
Deadly Target is exceedingly engaging and intriguing. Its remarkable setting, memorable characters, and engrossing plot make it a special novel worthy of much attention. I sincerely recommend it to all readers who enjoy excellent romantic fiction that is clean, suspenseful, and meaningful. 
  
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This was my first time reading anything by Elizabeth Goddard and I thought it was brilliant. The mystery, intrigue, the different characters...it was just all brilliant. I couldn't put the book down. The fact that Eric was able to be finally truthful to Nathan and they could grow together and lean on each other I thought was the best part. This is the second book of the series and I am going to back and read the first and can't wait to read the next installment.

Thank you Revell and NetGalley for the advance read.

Gripping

Oh wow!! What I thought was a slow start sure took me by surprise.......and the surprises kept on coming.

Deadly Target is a deep, intriguing read that immerses you in a well written, in-depth and gripping read (with romance and suspense thrown in to add more juicy layers) You won't want to put it down and I couldn't blame you.
The cogs started turning early on and had me guessing throughout, I wasn't disappointed! I'm also so glad that we weren't left with a crazy cliffhanger.

I adore Erin and Nathan, they connect and work really well together, well, after a little awkwardness, but that's standard with people.

4.5 stars

Ok y’all…. buckle up before you start Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard. Get a backup supply of oxygen, too, because I’m warning you now – some of the twists in this romantic suspense are so stunning that you may forget to breathe. In fact, I’m pretty sure at one point I had to consciously remind myself to exhale. Throw in the kisses born of long pent-up romantic tension and yeah… just keep some oxygen close at hand.

Nathan and Erin may no longer be sweethearts but that doesn’t mean that they’ve stopped loving each other, and being thrown into close proximity to solve Nathan’s dad’s case only fans those embers back into flames. The things that kept them apart, however, are only further magnified during the investigation, and I really appreciated the pace at which Goddard wove those threads into their story. Just out of reach enough that we don’t have all the answers until we’re meant to. This doesn’t apply only to Nathan and Erin, either, but also to a handful of supporting characters whose roles are perhaps more pivotal than we first realize.

Not only does the author do a great job of giving her characters layers and dimension – in their backstories and in their relationships – but she also masterfully keeps the suspenseful tension at epic levels throughout the entire novel. We are literally swept off our feet (along with the characters) more than once with high-stakes danger and those stunning twists I mentioned earlier. There’s very little time allowed for relaxing either, which is how I like my suspense novels, as the action starts in the first few pages and keeps a steady pace until the last few.

Bottom Line: The twists & turns in Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard kept me glued to the story from the very first chapter and on the edge of my seat til the end! I mean, wow. Every time I dared to relax a smidgen, more danger for our protagonists sent my heart back into my throat. And did I mention those stunning twists?!? I still haven’t recovered from a couple of them. Swoony romance adds a different sort of tension to the mix, and the author has skillfully created layered characters that readers will love. Make sure you have a good stretch of free time when you start this novel, because you won’t want to put it down!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Another great book by Elizabeth Goddard!

From the first chapter's boating accident/attempted murder to the ending kidnapping/mob connection, I couldn't stop reading! Many twists and new discoveries in each chapter, and the way it all comes together at the end makes for another amazing story. Each character is revisited to remind you of who they were in the first book, and this book could certainly be read as a standalone. Dr. Erin Larson is an interesting character who you find yourself rooting for, both in her quest for answers and in reuniting with her long-lost love.

Goddard has written yet another fantastic story, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for Dr. Larson next!

Deadly Target is the second of the Rocky Mountain Courage series.
This story was action packed from the beginning, and I loved experiencing Erin and Nathan's story. They each have wild things happening in their lives, and the intensity of each new peril will keep you turning the pages until the wee hours! From Erin's unique and secret hobby to Nathan's internal struggle with doing the right thing, this book was so different, that it left me wanting more. Goddard hit this one out of the park, and really expanded the CF Suspense genre in a way I can't quite explain. There was so much action that was so perfectly timed. It just highlighted great characters. I'd also be remise to not mention location. Goddard does such a beautiful and effortless job at describing the setting that you aren't bogged down in details but totally want to visit someday. My first Goddard novel let me wanting more, but she is quickly making a place for herself among the greats of her genre. Bravo!

This was an intense roller coaster of a story from the beginning. For most of the book I couldn't figure out how everything was going to piece together. This was quite the intricate plot.

The romance in this one was your typical romantic suspense type and truthfully there wasn't really enough for my taste. But the suspense part was very well done.

There were a few parts I figured out but most of the plot was a mystery to me. I enjoyed the tense movement toward the end of the story to figure it out.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Good book, full of adventure and definitelyan unexpected turn. It sometimes was a little hard to follow due to their being so many characters in the story it was sometimes hard to rememeber who a character was.

This was definitely a twisty turn-y story! It's filled with great people, plenty of emotions and plenty of secrets. Secrets that people are prepared to kill for !

Erin has a secret and her past has often paralyzed her. It even caused her to run from forming a solid relationship with Nathan. That caused hurt to the current day not only for her but for Nathan too. I also got the feeling that Erin's mom had a secret or two as well.

Nathan is a good guy with issues of his own with some of them coming from his daddy. I liked that he often did point out the fact to Erin that there were often "Silver Linings" in life. Now, that isn't something I've heard in a while but always did like.
The only thing that I would say bothered me was that it felt like too much time was spent over the fact that they couldn't be together. The angst on Erin's part got touched on time after time. And at that time without any hope of finding out why.
Faith in God and scripture is also a part of this story but without overriding the plot, IMO.
Things start out innocent enough until things started moving. And boy, then they started moving they really took off. Dangerous actions from several different directions really did leave you wondering who to trust. But the biggest surprise is left until almost the end. It was a biggie. And left me wondering once again how in the world would anyone get out of this alive and have a chance for a normal life.
The ending warmed my heart.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

The second book finds criminal psychologist Erin Larson facing career and personal complications. Finding herself unexpectantly back in her Montana hometown to care for her mother after a suicide attempt, Erin is grateful to have her podcast which examines missing persons cases.

Former flame Nathan Campbell is also back in town. Nathan has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a police detective. But when his father is shot just as he’s about to fill his son in on a case he’s investigating, Nathan takes up the case and enlists Erin’s criminal profiling expertise. The two find themselves in danger—from the bad guys as well as from their renewed feelings for each other.

As with the first book in this series, DEADLY TARGET is a fast-paced, suspenseful novel that is a perfect balance between action and romance

Book 2 in the series, but great as a stand alone.
Erin Larson is in Montana after learning her mother tried to commit suicide. Her mother says things that don't quite make sense. Is she having confusion?
Erin does podcasts on missing persons cold cases and can do this while helping her mother. Erin doesn't use her real name in her podcasts, but has someone discovered her identity and wishes her harm?
What's a good story without an old flame in the picture? This one is Nathan. His father was investigating a cold case when he was shot. He was just about to tell Nathan important information regarding the case when he was shot right in front of Nathan.
I love how Elizabeth Goddard weaved all the events/people together to create a past paced, action, romance story!
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Revell and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Erin and her friend Carissa are kayaking when trouble hits, on top of a phone call from Montana about her mother. Erin heads home to care for her mother, and try to avoid Nathan, who had made the call. Nathan, Terra, Alex and Jack are in this story, briefly. We also see many others including Celia, Newt, Holly, Sheriff Henry and a few others. Erin and Nathan find themselves in crosshairs after an attack on his father. The book leads us on a merry chase as they try to figure out the mystery of what cold case his father was working on, and doesn’t let up. Be prepared for a page turning story that won’t be put down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Revell via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'd read the first one in this series but this could be read as a standalone. The main characters in the first story are really just 'bit' players in this one and the plots aren't related.

It took a little while to get into this story as the initial inciting event didn't connect for me until later in the story. Goddard makes this quite an involved story with various potential possibilities for the antagonist which keeps you on your toes but also perhaps could have been connected with a little more precision.

I liked Erin Larson and Nathan Campbell. I particularly appreciated Erin's anxieties and we spend a bit of time in her head as she grapples with her past and also running away from Nathan once before. Nathan is a good cop chasing after his father's killer when specifically asked not to by his boss which makes him wonder whether his boss knows more than he's letting on.

There's some dramatic action with dam's being blown up and chasing down mines which really keeps us guessing especially when everyone's in darkness.

The suspense ratchets up in the end but it wrapped up a little quickly for me and the fact we need to be 'told' the who, what and why tells me the plot could have been more precise and easier for the reader to determine all the connections.

I enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the final in the series.

I received an early ebook copy as part of the Revell Readers Blogging Program via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

We return to Montana in this second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series by Elizabeth Goddard, to follow Dr. Erin Larson, criminal psychologist as she navigates multiple near death experiences, reunites with her former flame and tries to support her mother after a hospital stay. Danger is never far away, in the action packed story filled with twists and turns. While reading the first book in the series is an asset, it is not necessary in this series (which I dint't mind at all, as both of these books wrap up nicely and do not need more closure in future books).. I look forward to the third book in this series and will seek out other stories by this author,

I received this free copy of #deadlytarget as a ARC from #netgalley , in exchange for an honest review

Elizabeth Goddard takes us home to the Rockies (even if we have never been there before) with her new suspense novel, “Deadly Target.” Erin Larson is a criminal psychologist who returns home to care for her mother who has recently attempted suicide. Her former flame, Nathan Campbell is investigating the death of his father, who it turns out shared an interest in missing persons cold cases with Erin. Is it possible the two are connected? The twists and turns in the story make it one the reader must finish to appreciate.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

This roller coaster ride of twists and turns was absolutely fantastic. The suspense grabbed you from the first chapter and didn't let go until the very end. I did not see all that coming and loved the little bit of second chance romance that was interwoven into the book.

Erin is a criminal psychologist and cold case podcaster and Nathan is a local sheriff's deputy in her home town. From the beginning it is clear they have a past but part of the mystery is what broke them up in the first place.

I love the side characters of Terra and Jack.

This book really doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath before the next twist. If you like a good suspense, I highly recommend this one. I am also a big fan of the way the characters lean into their faith and how that piece is truly important to them. It does not feel forced and is totally organic.

I received an eArc from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

The past may cause deadly future consequences...

Hoh, boy! Deadly Target was not at all what I expected! I'll admit that I only glanced at the back cover blurb before picking the book up, I mostly wanted to read it because it was an Elizabeth Goddard novel, so I really had no idea what I was getting into. I vaguely thought this was more of a cold case type story. But, no, this second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series packed a lot more of a romantic suspense punch than I could have ever anticipated.

From the cold waters of Puget Sound, to the wilderness of Montana, to the city streets of Boston, this book takes one wild and riveting ride through murder, betrayal, kidnapping, revenge, and family secrets. Two seemingly unrelated cases that span decades and could have earth shattering consequences for those still involved are now seeming to connect as the good guys and the bad all converge on a small Montana town. All of that makes Deadly Target pretty much impossible to put down.

I enjoyed Elizabeth Goddard's latest even more than I had anticipated. First, I loved the majority setting in Montana. Second, I really liked the entire past and present mysteries merging plot. I'm always a fan of old family secrets affecting the here and now in fiction.

While I haven't yet read the first book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series I will be remedying that soon so I can be ready for the release of book 3. I can't wait to find out what might happen to this small group of old friends next!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

It has been a long time since I have read a book of suspense that has been so suspenseful and full of thrills like this one. Not only are Erin and Nathan in danger, but their loved ones are too.

This book starts out as a peaceful day on the water. Then back-to-back Erin is fleeing for her life when her onetime love, Nathan, is calling her with some devastating news.

Nathan meanwhile is dealing with father issues when he agrees to meet with his father at their favorite fishing site. Little do either one of them know the lengths that someone will go to keep Nathan's father quiet.

Nathan is now reeling with what happened to his father along with the partial message his father gave to him. On top of that he is to trust no one. As if things couldn't get worse, Nathan and Erin almost die together due to a catastrophe, either natural or manmade.

This was not an easy book to put down and try to do real life. I was instantly invested and felt like I was right there along with those two. This was a really intense and thrilling read and there is a lot more going on. So many secrets that need to be told, exposed, or uncovered and I was not sure these two were going to make it.

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.

I first read one of Elizabeth Goddard's books a few years ago, but I haven't kept up with her writing since. When Deadly Target came out, I saw so many rave reviews I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did! This book was full of twists and turns from beginning to end, and I was never quite sure if the danger was targeting Erin or Nathan.

Erin, a criminal psychologist and podcast host, is a fascinating heroine. Her story unfolds with several surprises, as she finally trusts Nathan with the darkness from her past. It turns out her past has come back to haunt her and links her to Nathan's investigation in ways she never imagined. The romance between Erin and Nathan was well done, developing naturally without taking away from the suspense. The many threads to the story added to the intrigue and all came together in a satisfying conclusion.

While this book is part of a series, I haven't read the first book and didn't feel like I was missing anything crucial. I can't wait for the next book in the series, and Elizabeth Goddard is now one of my must-read suspense authors!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.