Deadly Target, wow. Another pulse-pounding success from Elizabeth Goddard.

Erin Larson is a criminal psychologist with big dreams. Everything comes to a screeching halt when she’s targeted during a boating trip. To make things worse, she then learns her mother has failed in an attempted suicide bid. She rushes back to Montana to care for her and focus on her cold case podcast.

Detective Nathan Campbell is trying to reconnect with his father, who’s trying to tell Nathan about a dangerous case when a single shot upends their lives. With his dad unable to help, Nathan needs Erin’s assistance to solve the mystery before they both end up dead. But can the exes handle working together?

What follows, is a rollercoaster of unpredictable twists and turns, then a shocker of a revelation. I respect this author’s ability to make readers care about characters very quickly, because I became invested in both by the end of the first two chapters.

On top of that, the way both characters are made vulnerable to each other and also events beyond their control, and it was fun to see how skillfuly the emotional dynamics played out.

If you like high stakes romantic suspense novels, this is highly recommended.

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard
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“For a few hours every Saturday morning, Erin Larson could forget that evil existed.”

Twists at every turn…I didn’t see the ending coming. “Deadly Target” was such an intense an unexpected journey, that I was honestly blown away. Goddard delivered on all fronts, from a gripping mystery to a heart tugging romance, she kept me engaged and guessing from start to finish. I really don’t want to say too much other than, this is what romantic suspense is all about! I loved it!

A familiar flutter thrummed inside—and she hadn’t felt that in much too long. How was it possible that Nathan could still stir her after so long?”

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.

While this is the second book in a series, it reads well on its own. Characters from the first book do come into this one later in the plot but knowing their previous story is not essential to enjoying this one.

This novel got off to a bit of a rough start for me as the meaning of the initial suspenseful event does not become clear until well into the latter half of the book. Erin, the main female character, was a bit of a mystery to me. She is a psychologist focusing on criminal behavior. Even with all her training, she has panic attacks, freezes in a suspenseful situation, and struggles with the truth, hoping it is a dream. (4095/5049) An interesting issue in the novel is the reason Erin studied criminal psychology and perhaps that is the foundation for her not putting its principles to good use in her own life.

This is a novel for readers who like lots of internal character thinking and reflecting and reviewing and wondering and supposing. There is suspense but it is not the main focus of the plot until the end. At one point we are told, “While Erin had gotten completely lost in her thoughts...” (4095/5049) That was not surprising but happened rather often. There is a good faith message included in that the characters voice their trust in God.

An interesting issue facing characters in this novel is honesty about the past. There are secrets stirred up through innocent action because people were not truthful about the past. And those secrets turn out to be deadly.

This is a good novel focusing on character thought with suspense interspersed from time to time. You'll also get a little romance.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Erin Larson’s career in criminal psychology is on the upward path when her entire world explodes. Immediately after a near-death experience, she is called home to care for her mother, who has just attempted to commit suicide. During this difficult time, she begins working with her old-flame, Nathan, on a deadly cold-case. As the two uncover more clues, Erin soon finds that this case has a personal connection to her own troubling past.
~Characters
For the most part I enjoyed the characters and how their faith was ingrained in their personality and story lines. It felt natural. I loved the fact that both characters had chosen career paths that revolved around hunting down bad guys. It was interesting to see how their different specialties affected their investigation.
For the most part, I thought the characters were well-written. I felt bad for Nathan since he obviously loved Erin and she just wasn’t emotionally ready for a deeper relationship. I think in the end, I started to get annoyed with Erin a little. I would’ve loved to see her pull the pieces together a little more, particularly during the revelation with her mom (don’t worry, I’m not revealing anything ;) )
~Plot
This is a very fast-paced book. Within the first five pages, you’re thrown into Erin’s now-dangerous life of assassination attempts and criminal investigation.
The actual plot was my favorite aspect of this novel. It kept me guessing until the end. It’s difficult to talk about my favorite part of the plot, which arrives around the 60% mark, because I would really ruin the surprise. I was expecting something more environmental. I loved that the novel took this turn.
I did feel like the plot dragged at some points. Particularly in the beginning. I think a huge part was that not enough was revealed in the beginning. Nathan talked about how he had a secret, and having the secret was eating him up, but he wasn’t sure what the secret was or really didn’t know anything about it. I think I needed a little more breadcrumbs to keep me going.
I loved the plot twist at 80ish percent. Seriously, I didn’t see that one coming.
~Writing
Overall, the writing is good. I liked the rich descriptions of the beautiful Montana mountains to the urban streets of Boston.
It’s difficult to rate this because, while I think the author is very obviously talented, the writing style wasn’t my cup of tea. Conversations were interrupted by thoughts or dramatic events a little prematurely, before any new information was delivered to drive the plot forward. Some of the descriptions were a little repetitive (for example, in one sentence it says that she [Erin] exhaled. In the next, she gulps in more air.) Once again, the author’s writing is by NO MEANS bad, but these patterns and repetitions were frequent enough that I was taken out of the story.

~Would I Recommend?
If you love Christian thrillers, give Deadly Target a read! It was fast-paced, contains lots of twists and turns, and Erin’s career choice gives this book an interesting spin. Obviously, I had a few gripes, but that could totally be personal preference. Check it out!

Erin Larson’s life not only gets interrupted but thrown for a huge curve after she’s nearly killed while kayaking. This initial incident sets off a string of dangerous and deadly attempts. But why would anyone want to target her? The intensity of this suspenseful novel continues to ramp up and pulls you in deeper so you don’t want to set the book aside until you can catch your breath after its conclusion. The story contains plenty of twists and surprises, and the characters leap off the page. The author did a good job weaving this complex and dramatic mystery together. If you enjoy thrillers, try this one. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #DeadlyTarget #NetGalley

Wow! This book delivers it all in the romantic suspense area. This story has so many layers and dynamics. This is the second book in this series and Ms. Goddard hits this one out of the park. If you like books that make you think and really wonder what might occur next (rather than you figuring it out), then this book is for you. This book focuses on Erin and Nathan. They both are trying to discover what is going on after Nathan’s father is shot. As they try to turn every stone over to figure out what is going on, they come across some startling discoveries. The more they find, the more questions they have. This romantic suspense book will keep you on your toes and up all night to find out what happens. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!!!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

She’s done it to me again! Every time I read a book by this author I get totally impressed all over again.
With nonstop, continuous, edge of your seat action happening one after another no chance of a snooze fest happening with this book.
A shocking plot twist about 85 percent through changes the whole dynamics of the story ! WOW!!!!!!
This author’s books are absolutely not to be missed and auto-reads for me.
You need to read this NOW!!!!! Highly recommended!
#DeadlyTarget #NetGalley.

Pub Date 02 Nov 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

GoodReads Synopsis

This book has both the romance and suspense aspect! Goddard did a fantastic job with this one and I absolutely loved every minute of this page turner. Nate and Erin work so well together and I'm excited to see them in book 3.

Deadly Target continues Elizabeth Goddard’s Rocky Mountain Courage series with high stakes and heart-pounding suspense.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. Goddard is really good at drawing you into the story with action. And with Deadly Target, she has characters that really tug at your heart.

I think that’s what made this book such a winner for me. The first in the series, Present Danger, was good but not as good as I was expecting for some reason. It could’ve been the mood I was in when I read it or something else entirely. But Goddard has such good books, I couldn’t give up the opportunity to read this one. I’m so glad I didn’t.

Erin and Nathan’s relationship was so well developed, I almost felt like I was their friend cheering for them from the sidelines. Their emotions come across so well on the page that I felt their struggle as they tried to piece together the mysteries that hounded them.

And the way Goddard brought all of those pieces together…brilliant. That’s all I can say. I never once saw it coming.

Overall, Deadly Target is an enthralling read perfect for suspense fans and second chance romance enthusiasts.

Deadly Target is the second book in Elizabeth Goddard’s Rocky Mountain Courage series. We met both Erin and Nathan in the first book, Present Danger. They were once a couple, but Erin moved to Seattle, far from their small town Montana community. Until her mom’s supposed suicide attempt brings her home.

Deadly Target is a great mix of mystery and suspense. With danger coming at them from so many sides, untangling the who behind the danger as they try to stay ahead of it keeps the pages turning. It is a puzzle that only comes together at the end.

I loved the romance between Nathan and Erin. While the pain between them is evident, so is their connection. There are no big misunderstandings that would be easily solved and when they do share the things that weigh deepest on their hearts, the other listens. All of that, however, may not be enough for them to have a future together.

Between the great mystery, awesome suspense, sweet romance, and the danger they face, Deadly Target is one of my favorite fall reads and I look forward to not just rereading it, but reading the whole series again once book three releases next year.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

This book is suspense to the extreme! The mystery was stellar and kept me on my toes almost the entire time. There were so many moving parts and pieces to the puzzle. Goddard starts off with a bang and finishes with one. Erin and Nathan’s story kept me completely enthralled until the very end. And even then, I could have read more. Goddard is a master of mystery and suspense with just the right amount of romance. She expertly weaves in the characters’ faith in God. Watching the characters say a prayer when I myself would do the same thing was refreshing. This is my very first book I have read from her and now her entire backlist in on my TBR pile. If you are a fan of Christian suspense then Deadly Target is a must-read! (Even though this a part of a series, it reads as a standalone. I did not read the previous book.) I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Talk about a heart pounding read! This read has thrilling moments in spades!! This one has several threads of mystery running through it and seeing it all unfold made for quite a read. The mystery is exciting, the characters are likable and the book has no slow spots. I really enjoyed this one!

I received this book from the publisher and also purchased my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Deadly Target is an exciting book with many near tragic incidents happening to the main characters, Erin and Nathan. With multiple attempts on Erin’s life, I was wondering who wants to silence her. As a criminal psychologist and a cold case podcaster it appears that she has kicked a hornet’s nest of bad guys who aren’t going to stop until she is dead.

Erin’s ex-boyfriend, Nathan, comes back into her life as he takes her into his confidence about a cold case that his father was working on before he was shot. Together they unravel the mysterious events of the past only to find their cases are connected. The surprising twists of events will keep you guessing all the way to the end of the book.

If you like romantic suspense stories, then I am sure you will enjoy this second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage Series. It can be read as a standalone. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book. I was not obligated to write a positive review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

This was a marvelous suspense novel. I have enjoyed the other books by Elizabeth Goddard but I think this was may favorite so far. I loved how we were left guessing and not sure how everything intersected until the end. I also loved how Erin had to learn to let someone help her and that she didn’t need to try to do things on her own. I liked how trust was built between the characters. Really a good book that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Deadly Target, by Elizabeth Goddard, begins with main character, Erin Larson, feeling like she is in someone’s crosshairs. Erin and her girlfriend barely make it out alive, when they are targeted by a high powered boat as they are calmly paddling their kayak’s down a waterway!

This targeting seems to continue when Erin’s former boyfriend, Nathan Campbell, watches his father suddenly struck-down with a bullet as they are fishing. This father and son duo had recently renewed their relationship and Nathan does not know which way to turn to discover who is behind this deadly act!

When Nathan and Erin almost lose their lives, after a dam break let’s loose a flood of fast moving water, they realize they are both in trouble. They decide they must solve a cold-case, that Nathan learned of from his father, to discover who may want to take their lives!

This is a high-paced tale with unknowns and action from beginning to end. Nathan and Erin have no idea who they can trust. You will not believe who is behind all these attempts to take Erin and Nathan out of the picture!

I had the pleasure of reading the first book from Elizabeth Goddard’s Rocky Mountain Courage series, Present Danger. I was excited when I had the opportunity to read the second installment called Deadly Target. I was far from disappointed. I thought it was a great read, that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I never what was going to happen next. I adored the scenes with Nathan and Erin. They were great.

I am giving Deadly Target a very well deserve five plus stars. I believe many readers who enjoy reading clean romantic suspense will not want to miss this one. I will be looking for the release of the next installment from the Rocky Mountain Courage series.

I received a paperback copy of Deadly Target from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Deadly Target is book number two in the Rocky Mountain Courage series by Elizabeth Goddard. Those who have read the previous book will appreciate seeing a few familiar characters make an appearance, but those who have not can certainly read this one as a standalone with no problem as well.

When I pick up a book by Elizabeth Goddard, I know that I am in for a fantastic read, and this was certainly no exception. The danger and excitement picked up right from the very start and carried on right through the end of the story. And what a story it was! This is definitely one of those stories that has a lot of twists and turns that I certainly didn't see coming. Danger seemed to be coming from all directions, and even when I thought I'd started to figure out a few things... there was plenty yet to discover! The author really did a great job of releasing just the right amount of information at each point in the story to keep us at the edge of our seat... while holding back more surprises to shock us with later... and I enjoyed every minute! While I do often see a lot of surprise twists in novels like this coming, I must say, one of the bigger twists in this one really didn't occur to me until right before it was revealed. That certainly made it a fun and enjoyable read! If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, this is certainly one to check out!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

While out kayaking with her friend in the Puget Sound, criminal psychologist Erin Larson almost loses her life in a freak boating accident. Minutes after her rescue, she receives a phone call from Montana that will change the course of her life. Nathan Campbell, the only man she ever loved, and a detective for the sheriff’s department in Big Rapids, MT, phones to let her know her mom has tried to commit suicide.

Erin takes leave from her job and heads home to take care of her mom, even if it means running into Nathan, the man she walked out on but can never forget.

When Nathan’s dad comes to town for a quick visit, he invites Nathan to go fishing at their favorite spot along the Greyback River. Nathan has many fond memories of spending time with his dad as a youngster, but not so many after his parents divorced and his dad moved to Boston for a better job as a detective.

The moment his dad starts to reveal dangerous information about a cold case he’s investigating, an unknown shooter pulls the trigger—sending his dad into a coma. With a small staff and a warning to let cold cases stay cold from his boss, Nathan turns to the only person who could provide insight—Erin Larson.

When her involvement in his dad’s shooting thrusts them into the crosshairs of an assassin, Nathan realizes he’ll do anything to save the life of the woman he still loves.

Why I Love This Book

Goddard weaves a masterful web of intrigue, doubt, rabbit trails, red herrings, and suspense, not to mention a second chance at romance for two heroic characters. In addition to the outward conflict, both Erin and Nathan battle with inner conflict about their identities in Christ and their purposes in life.
Fans of Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Kelly Irwin will love Elizabeth Goddard’s latest addition to the Rocky Mountain Courage series. Readers can enjoy Deadly Target as a standalone book or read Present Danger first.

3.5 stars

It’s not always easy for an author to achieve a good balance between plot and character development but Ms. Goddard does so quite handily in Deadly Target. Erin and Nathan each have their own baggage, so to speak, and I particularly empathized with Erin and the life choices she’s had to make since most of us need to eventually take on the care of our parents to some degree.

As for the storyline, I found the tension a little mild in comparison to other crime fiction but I think that’s to be expected with Christian-based suspense. I don’t read much of this subgenre but, once again, the author finds a satisfactory balance and I never felt the kind of preachiness I’ve encountered before. This book was my introduction to Elizabeth Goddard’s work but I’ll certainly look for more, beginning with the previous entry in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, Present Danger.

Erin and Nathan have to team up to help solve a case. Erin has left her past behind to care for her mother and turns to helping others with her podcast. Nathan find himself turning to her for help with a case that his father was unable to finish closing. As they continue working together, they soon find themselves in deeper than they expected. A great suspenseful read. I received a copy to read, the review is mine.