Going to try to turn off my romantic-suspense cynicism for this review, because Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard does not deserve it. While unrealistic in many ways, Goddard’s second installment of her “Rocky Mountain Courage” series is a whirlwind adventure from the first chapter to the conclusion. It features typical genre clichés—a past relationship that went sour, a “damaged” character, and a big secret. The novel, however, is so action-packed that you cannot focus on its boilerplate characteristics. While maybe not for everyone, Deadly Target hit the bullseye for me.

Erin is a forensic psychologist with an up-and-coming cold case podcast. She returns to home to care for her mother. She originally left for her career, leaving Nathan behind with a hurt and confused heart. Someone shoots Nathan’s father due to his connection to a case. Nathan’s instructed to trust no one, but he brings in Erin believing her special skills can help. Little does either of them know what dangers they would face: Shooters, bombs, floods. As the questions and threats erupt, so do Nathan and Erin’s feelings for each other. Mysteries abound, and dots eventually connect together to reveal a bigger conspiracy than anyone could anticipate.

I enjoyed Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard. It is such a fun read, exciting every step of the way. The characters are not very relatable, but they are still likeable. Nathan was, to me, too perfect. And Erin’s focus on her big secret and how she could never reveal it because no one would accept her ever again…really? But the twists and turns in the novel’s plot—goodness! Goddard is brilliant. I didn’t know what to expect next. I figured everything connected together, but I never anticipated the how. Saying much more about the how would reveal too many spoilers, so I’ll stop there. Just know it’s about as exciting as you might be thinking!

This novel has it all—heartbreak, forgiveness, redemption, flirting, humor, explosions, gunshots, criminal activity…everything. In some novels, it might’ve been too much. But if this book were an episode of Food Network’s Chopped, Goddard would be the unanimous champion. She combines what might be “too much” with some authors into a “just right” story that will leave readers breathless. From the moment I began reading Deadly Target, I rarely put it down. Could I physically set it on my table? Absolutely. But I could not mentally let it lie. I evaluated it, asking questions in my head and aloud.

Deadly Target has its imperfections—like all novels—but all things considered, it’s a great rainy-day novel. One you can pick up and finish in four hours without feeling guilty. With its exhilaration and fast-paced, never-stopping-for-a-breath plot, time will fly by for you as it did for me. The novel is a wonderful addition to Goddard’s “Rocky Mountain Courage” books, and I can’t wait to read the third one…if there is a third one. If it’s not in the works already, Elizabeth Goddard, consider this review my personal and official request!

A romance novel

Rocky Mountain Courage book #2

I love authors under the Publisher Revell their books have an excellent and captivating story. The narrative and dialogue are clear and clean and as the plot moves along it is easy to find ourselves being hooked in so much suspense that it is hard to put the book down especially when the rush of adrenaline hits. Along the storylines we find a teasing romance that last from the opening till the conclusion and this triggers some emotions...I liked to slap the characters to get on with it. Since “Revell” is Christian publisher we do not have over the top sex scenes. Elizabeth Goddard is one of my favourite author I enjoy reading and I love how she pens an intriguing story for our enjoyment.

Although “Deadly Target” is part of a series it stands well by itself.

Now that you know what I think...time to give you a snippet of the storyline:

“Crime psychologist turned podcaster Erin Larson agrees to assist a county detective in finding answers to a cold case. The deeper they dig the more dangerous the situation gets.”

Main characters: Erin Larson, podcaster and criminal psychologist and Nathan Campbell, detective and Erin’s ex-boyfriend

Ms. Goddard excels in bringing to life these two characters through their actions and in the manners they face difficult situations. Along the way we meet a mix of characters we love to hate....maybe even love some of them.

“Deadly Target” is well said and well-done

This is an action packed story, that really keeps you on your toes until the end. Erin Larson is a criminal psychologist who returns to her childhood home to care for her mother after she attempts suicide. An old friend asks for her help unraveling details about a cold case his father was working on before he was shot. They begin investigating, unsure of who they can trust, and as more information comes to light, they find themselves a target of the enemy, but who is the enemy? And who is the real target?

If you're a fan of high-paced action and suspense in Christian fiction, you'll enjoy this one!

I really enjoyed "Deadly Target" by Elizabeth Goddard. This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. This one is just as good as the first book (Present Danger), if not better! This book had so much action and adventure that it kept my attention the whole way through. There were a couple twists that I never saw coming.

I definitely recommend this book if you love good, clean suspenseful novels.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

This is book 2 in Elizabeth Goddard's Rocky Mountain Courage Series. I loved the first book, Present Danger, and I'm sure anyone interested in reading this will want to start there.

Goddard does an excellent job of characterization bringing such depth to the people in her books that she shows through their actions how they have been affected by past situations.

Moreover, the plot was also well thought out. I felt nervous for the characters as I didn't know any more than they did about where the danger was coming from and why. There were many surprises along the way that kept me flipping through the pages hoping all the characters I had come to like would make it out of the scary situation they ended in okay.

There is so much that happens in, Deadly Target. About two-thirds of the way through the book something was brought up that happened near the beginning and I had totally forgotten about it because there is just that much going on it's hard to remember everything. I appreciated how Nathan turned to Erin for help on his father's case. It shows true trust. Little did he know she also was in need of help.

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson and Nathan Campbell find themselves in an explosive situation as they work together to get to the bottom of a cold case Nathan’s father had been working on. All Nathan’s father had the chance to tell him was, “trust no one.” Erin finds herself in an uncomfortable situation with her mother. Why hadn’t she seen the signs of trouble? Afterall it was her job to notice signs of someone who was going to commit suicide.

This author pulls out all the stops in this intriguing, edge of your seat suspense, it’s an explosive adventure that has Erin and Nathan spinning out of control, trying to pull on the correct thread in this mystery that would bring them answers and not have them chasing something down an empty rabbit hole. This author weaves a riveting, complex story that has just the right blend of mystery, suspense, and romance that had me staying up late wanting to know how this all ended up. This is a great escape and a novel that would work for your next book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Erin a psychologist out kayaking with her friend Carissa.
A boating accident throwing them into the water, with Carissa injured
Doing a podcast, telling and solving cold cases, since leaving her job
Staying in Montana tending to her mother who tried to commit suicide
Nathan a Detective like his father whom he hadn’t seen in 22 years
Wanting to go fishing telling Nathan he’s working on a cold case
Shot fired throwing his Dad into the water, been hit, lucky he survived
The case his Dad mentioned was this why and he left to keep us safe
After 5 years would Erin help him, he needed her expertise on the case.
A tightly woven suspense and second chance story.
Explores the work they do, while helping their families.
Looking into the case puts their own lives at risk. Well written and enjoyed
Given ARC by Net Galley & Revell for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Releases November 2, 2021

Mystery, intrigue and romance - this book has it all! The ending was unpredictable and it will keep you guessing until the end of the book. This is the second in a series "Rocky Mountain Courage", but I feel that it could be read as a standalone.

Elizabeth Goddard is known for her crime novels mixed with romance and this book was no exception. IF you like writers such as Lynette Eason and Irene Hannon, you will enjoy this book! The author is very good at giving you different parts of the puzzle at different times in the book so that you can't put it together immediately. I always appreciate this in a book.

In exchange for reading this book, I promised an honest review. I enjoyed this book and will be ordering it for my library. I also suggest reading other series written by Elizabeth Goddard such as the "Uncommon Justice" series.

What a fantastic romantic suspense. Elizabeth Goddard has delivered another winner. The plot is a real page turner with great character dynamics.. if you are a fan of suspense you do not want to miss this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

erin and a friend are kayaking in the water when a boat is coming right at them another boat stops to help them and then she gets a call thather mother is in the hospital. erin then has to go back to the house she does not want to see but has to so she can help her mother, the one to call was nathan , her ex boyfriend the his father is shot and it is all confusing, erin wants to help nathan but not sure what to do. then their is another attempt on their lives but what is going on and who is really the target and why do not want to give any spoilers but if you like suspense and second chances you will want to read this story could not put the book down till the end, i was given a copy by net galley but this is an honest review