Alex Stone is an undercover detective. She is working a case dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer because each time the killer leaves a body there is a chess piece in the murder victim's hand along with a chess move on a piece of paper. The scariest thing though for Alex is that all of the victims look similar to her with auburn red hair. Can this be someone from a past case taking revenge.

This is a captivating romantic suspense with twists, turns, and surprises from start to finish. Along with that throw in a second chance romance with one of the investigators, and you have a perfect romantic suspense novel. As a chess player married to a chess player, I definitely enjoyed the chess thread that wound it's way throughout the storyline along with the chess terms used. Original with a dynamic suspense thread accompanied by a romance is the background made for a great kick-off read in Bradley's newest series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Counterattack by Patricia Bradley is part of the Pearl River series. It was a great action packed ‘who done it’. Alexis Stone is the interim sheriff for her grandfather and gets a serial killer case in her hometown. Her high school, sweetheart Nathan, is the chief of police. I was definitely a fan of Nathan’s. I thought the serial killer mystery was very well done. The book has a lot of chess references that I found fascinating. I enjoy the references even though I don’t play chess.

Counter Attack pulls the reader in on page one and takes you into the killer's thoughts and game. Author Patricia Bradley does a masterful job of keeping the suspense level high throughout the book. The relationship between Nathan and Alexis is professional, but also personal. I found both characters to be very likeable.. This is a well-done second chance romance embedded in fantastic romantic suspense. I enjoyed reading about Alexis's relationship with her grandparents. They add a great deal to the book and to her character depth, as did her faith journey. My only quibble with the book is that I prefer not to know who the villain is until the end, but that's just a personal preference and not a reflection on the quality of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends and would love to read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy from the publishers through NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this excellent story.

This story was CRAZY good!

Patricia Bradley has the ability to draw you into a story quickly and the action just keeps coming. This was one of those books that I wanted to stay up all night to finish!

The Characters: Alexis Stone is a tough as nails cop looking to work her way to commissioner of a major city police department. But when an undercover assignment goes slightly sideways her plans change. Then her beloved grandfather and Russell County sheriff suffers a heart attack her world goes a little more sideways when he asks her to take on the role of Chief Deputy.

Nathan Landry is the chief of police who never understood by Alexis broke up with him in high school and never stopped loving her. He's smart and caring, but struggles to maintain the professional/personal boundaries.

The Story: The story stayed at a good pace with plenty of action, but also special interpersonal relationships, the most touching between Alexis and her grandparents.

This story had a main plot centered around a serial killer known as the Queen's Gambit Killer, but it also had a secondary plot around the drug problems within this small town. The author allows the reader to see into the mind of serial killer without revealing who it is. The two plots wove nicely together without being overwhelming or too muddled.

Final Thoughts: This is a great start to this series. I'm looking forward to what else Patricia Bradley has instore for Pearl River.

Disclaimer: I did receive an advanced reader copy from the publisher, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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Counter Attack
Patricia Bradley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a detective in Chattanooga, Alexis Stone has been working undercover to locate a serial killer known as the Queen's Gambit Killer. When she returns home as the interim sheriff, she doesn't expect the killer to strike again...this time in her own hometown. Alex has big plans for her career in Chattanooga, and is set on only staying in Pearl Springs long enough to catch the killer.

Police Chief Nathan Landry has loved Alexis since high school, even though she left him and Pearl Springs behind years ago. When she returns and appears to be the next target of a killer, Nathan is determined to protect the woman he still loves. Can he help Alex catch the killer and convince her that there's more to life than a career?

This book was an enjoyable introduction to an author new to us and one we will read again. Bradley created an interesting story with developed histories and relationships. While we knew early on who the killer was and what the motivation behind the crimes was, we still enjoyed Nathan’s balanced approach of wanting to protect Alexis while trusting in her strong abilities. This novel reminded us to cherish the people in our lives and not neglect them in pursuit of empty ambitions.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

A suspense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

This is book one in the Pearl River Series, what a wonderful place to start. Patricia Bradley is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. If you like suspenseful, mysterious, police type books you will love this one.
Alexis Stone never really wanted to call Pearl Springs home again. But when circumstances cause her to become interim sheriff for the county she is forced to work with her childhood friend and ex boyfriend, Nathan Landry.
Nathan and Alexis are in a unique game of chess, all while trying to find a killer and stay alive in the process.
I look forward to reading more from this series. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Whew, this book was intense!

From the very start, I was drawn right into this story and it held my attention right to the end. It might not have been quite so as action packed as some other suspense reads I've read, though it certainly had its moments... but the idea of a serial killer and the connection to the dark web certainly kept me at the edge of my seat. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that aspects of how this killer operated and the connection to the dark web definitely made it a darker storyline than I've read lately... and as such I had to step away a few times... but it was such a good story either way. There was a good amount of faith content within the story (though certainly not a primary focus), so that helped to make it a little lighter than it could have been as well. Admittedly, I did figure out who the villain was fairly early on in the story... I didn't find that impacted my enjoyment of the story though. There were still some moments I did not see coming and I enjoyed seeing how it all played out.

This is the first book in a new series, and it certainly has me looking forward to the next one! If you are a fan of romantic suspense, this is definitely one to check out!

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

I'm never disappointed by Patricia Bradley! Alexis Stone becomes interim sheriff after her sheriff grandfather suffers a heart attack. Murders of young women who look similar to Alex put her into working closely with the Pearl Springs police chief, her former boyfriend Nathan. Several attempts on Alex's life appear to be made. Can she trust her staff who resent her appointment? The murderer leaves chess moves as clues so if you know how to play chess, you will be trying to solve the clues! Counter Attack is full of action and suspense! I recommend Counter Attack to anyone who enjoys suspense! I received a complimentary e-book through Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

Big city Chattanooga meets small town Tennessee as Alexis Stone’s past and present dreams collide – along with a killer game of chess, the dark web, drug dealers, and a race to stay alive – in this first book of talented author Patricia Bradley’s new romantic suspense series!

Counter Attack opens with a chilling snippet that takes us into the dark web, a murderous game, and a killer’s quest for revenge. I’m hooked! Meeting Alexis in the next few pages kept my interest piqued as we join her undercover as bait meant to draw out the Queen’s Gambit Killer before he kills again. Tying all the victims together is their similarity to Alexis in appearance, a white chess piece in their hand, and a chess move on a note left on their bodies. As she leaves the bar, she bumps into her first love – a police chief in the tiny Tennessee town she couldn’t wait to leave. Hello, romantic subplot! I’m here for it! Something else I’m here for? The high-stakes suspense which shoots (ahem) onto the scene before we’ve reached page 25 and doesn’t leave us (or Alexis & Nathan) too much time to relax until the very end. There are a lot of elements in play when it comes to the suspense, and while I had a couple of things figured out pretty early on, I did NOT expect some of the twists the author expertly wove into this aspect of the story. Twists which kept me from fully committing to what I thought I had figured out, and which ultimately did prove I didn’t have it all right.

The spiritual theme of this book definitely doesn’t overpower the story, but it’s meaningful nonetheless. It’s not long after we meet Alexis on the pages of Counter Attack that we can tell she has big goals – namely, she wants to be the first female to head up the Chattanooga Police Department. But what does she do when her plans for her life seem to be running counter to God’s plans for her life? I so loved the quiet-but-steady wisdom and prayers of her grandmother not only as Alexis struggled with the two directions her heart was pulling her to choose but also in pointing out the consequences of continuing to put career over all else. The wisdom Gram shared clearly came from her love for her granddaughter but also from experiences over a life well lived.

Bottom Line: Buckle up, because Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley takes you on an intense ride! It grabbed my attention early and held it until the end. A serial killer, a health crisis, unexpected changes, and workplace conflict are just a few of the things on Alexis Stone’s plate in this kick-off to a great new small-town Southern romantic suspense series. Not to mention a second chance at a first love who has his own plate full with his job as police chief and trying to catch some drug dealers who have infiltrated his town. Nathan and Alexis make a good team, and I loved tagging along as they investigated their cases together – and as they shared some sweet kisses, too. I’m curious to see who else is featured in future books in the series, and I can’t wait to read them!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This is the start of a new series. by an author who is new to me! It is Christian fiction filled with suspense, mystery and romance. While the story centers around a serial killer it is not graphic, but still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. The second chance romance of Alexis and Nathan was well done and while the reestablished relationship was probably too fast for the real world, I still enjoyed their connection and the happily ever after ending. I did figure out the twist pretty earlier on, but it did not detract from the story. I look forward to seeing where this series goes and will check out other works by this author.

4 stars

Patricia Bradley can be counted on for a great read, and Counter Attack, the first installment in the Pearl River series, is no exception. If you are a fan of Christian romantic suspense, this one is for you.

Counter Attack is fast past paced, with likable characters, a cryptic villain, and lots of twists, turns, and misdirections. As high school sweethearts Alexis and Nathan (now Interim Sheriff and Police Chief) work together to solve the Queens Gambit Killings, romance is rekindled.

Small town setting, second chances, tender romance, and a faith thread woven throughout…all the makings of a great read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

Another thrilling read from Patricia Bradley! I was excited to read this one and loved the action and suspense in this story! It's always a pleasure to find a well written romantic suspense read, and this one hit all the right notes!

Patricia Bradley offers an action-packed series featuring a strong female character, Alex Stone. From a city to a small town, a serial killer plays games with Alexis. She is an undercover detective seeking to discover who the Queen's Gambit Killer is and bring the person to justice. It's personal for her, one victim was a friend.
A family emergency brings Alex home to the small town she grew up in. Her grandfather, the county sheriff, needs her help.
Nathan Landry, her former fiancé, is now the Police Chief. He is dealing with a band of drug runners that is infiltrating the area. Working with municipal and county officers brings him in direct contact with Alex. The magnetism they don't want to acknowledge makes for an even more intense plot.
The killer appears to have followed Alexis to her hometown and someone is taking shots at her. I received the advanced reader's copy of the book, and this is my personal opinion about it. This is an intense story that was hard to out down. I did figure out who the killer is, a personal game of my own. There are some solid twists here. I can't wait for the next book in the series. This is a clean read that proves a good writer doesn't need foul language.

EXCEPTIONAL ROMANTIC SUSPENSE!

Best-selling author Patricia Bradley has just released the first book in her Pearl River Series, which is exceptional romantic suspense! I have read Bradley’s books, and her writing continues to impress me with each new release. I considered some of her past releases my favorites, but this book may have changed my mind. Bradley has an exceptional plot starring a cunning serial killer who leaves a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it, dubbed the Queen’s Gambit Killer. Her two main characters are Alexis and Nathan, who previously had a romantic relationship but had a bad breakup. They find themselves thrown together in an attempt to flush this killer out before any more lives are lost. Can Nathan come through to stop the killer before he gets to Alex? Will they finally be able to share the love they both know exists between them?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions offered here are entirely my own and without influence.

Counter Attack is the first book in Patricia Bradley’s new Pearl River series. It kicks off with an adrenaline-fueled plot loaded with mystery, murder, and romance.

Injured on the job, Alexis Stone returns to her hometown and is sworn in as interim sheriff. She doesn’t plan on staying long but the danger that forced her back home has followed her. Running in to her high school sweetheart, now local chief of police Nathan Landry, further complicates things. They are going to need to set aside past hurts and work together to find the elusive Phame. And along the way maybe Alexis will find more than one reason to stay.

The book is full of chess references but you don’t have to be a chess fan to enjoy this book. I loved the characters and getting to know the small town. My only disappointment was that I suspected the murderer too soon. I always prefer to be kept guessing. Still, the book was full of twists and turns and the subplots kept you guessing right until the end. I would still highly recommend this book. It’s a great read, full of suspense and romance.

Bradley’s character development is spot-on as always. Alex and Nathan reconnect after many years apart and quickly realize that the spark that drew them together so many years ago is still alive and growing. But past miscommunications, current fears, and changing priorities still leave many roadblocks in their budding relationship.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and can’t wait to see who’s story I’ll get to read next.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Alexis Stone is determined to become the Police Chief in Chattanooga. However, when her beloved Grandfather, who is the Sheriff in Russell County, Tennessee, has a heart attack, he names her as interim Sheriff. To further complicate her plans, her old sweetheart, Nathan Landry, is the Chief of Police in Pearl Springs. Alex isn't sure that she can work closely with Nathan without bringing old feelings back into her life.

There is a serial killer at work in their area who is known as the Queen Gambit's Killer due to the fact that a white pawn is left at each murder scene. And, this killer seems to be targeting Alex (or at least victims that look an awful lot like her). As Nathan and Alex get closer to uncovering the killer, they also find that their old feelings are starting to reignite.

Alex is determined to fight her growing attraction to Nathan when she reads a verse that seems to be meant for her: "Many plans are in a man's heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail". Will Alex listen to guidance from her Grandmother and God or will she continue to pursue her dreams?

The author has done a good job of building tension as the main character rushes to find the killer while also trying to navigate the politics of a small Sheriff's department. There is plenty of action, suspense and just a bit of romance, along with discussions of faith and listening to God's guidance.

Even though I had the identity of the killer figured out before it was revealed, there was still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the case. Also, I would have liked to see more about the motivation behind some of the crimes. To me, they weren't explained enough to say that this had a satisfactory ending.

If you enjoy Christian based romantic suspense, I would recommend this book. It is well-written and fast paced while also being thought provoking. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

Counter Attack is the first book in the Pearl River series and was it tremendous! I’ve read all of Patricia Bradley’s Natchez Trace series and it was extra special because I’ve been there. Counter Attack looks to be another hit that I enjoyed and I can’t wait for the next one in this series.
The suspense had me spellbound from start to finish and the serial killer, Phame, was a total shocker!
I’ve also never played chess or known about the dark web which opened my eyes to foreign unheard of ideas.
The characters were interesting to get to know. I loved Alexis Stone’s grandparents for various reasons but especially because they reminded me of my paternal grandparents. My grandfather was even in law enforcement. Alexis and Nathan had grown up in a very small town and had known each other since the fifth grade. They had lost touch but their jobs in law enforcement brought them back together in search of a serial killer, who seemed to always be one or two steps ahead of them. Danger was all around them and finding out the killer was after Alexis made my heart beat a little faster at every corner. Great suspense, danger, a serial killer and wonderful characters, who could ask for anything more!?
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Alexis Stone takes over as chief deputy in her grandfather's absence. Little does she know, the quiet town of Pearl Springs is beginning to heat up. The storyline takes you on a roller-coaster ride of events. There is deception, danger, suspense, and a budding romance to keep your interest peaked.

It's a story that you won't be able to put down. The hunt for the Queen's Gambit Killer will have you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who they are and what will happen next. It's a very well-written story by a gifted author. The characters have many layers. This is a book that will have you pondering the content long after you close the last page. Highly recommended.

I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher and willingly choose to review it.

Alexis is one focused, competitive, driven woman. All work and no play has what she has become. She has a goal and it didn't included staying in her hometown. She loves her grandparents who raised her but she has a specific job that she wants to get promoted to. And she can't get it here with loving but hovering grands. She doesn't want to stay here permanently. As much as she loves and owes her grandparents.
On the other total side is Nathan, who is great at his job, loves the town and never wants to leave. You can clearly see the dilemma that they face as their attraction re-appears.
Chess was one of the things that made it a different kind of story. While I appreciated that it was also something that being a non-chess player I found a bit harder to follow..often. I just didn't realize when I chose the book that there would be so MUCH chess information. On the plus side, I think it shows the author did their homework on it. I did like how at about 36% on my kindle, that's when I saw how the title of this book fit.
I had a lot of questions about Kayla. What's up with her? Who is she really? And what are her motives ? She made my suspicion meter go up.
Although this is a Christian story, it's my hope than people wouldn't pass it by because of that. It's really good and references to God aren't like a punch to the face.
There is plenty of action in this story as the serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer plays a murderous game of cat and mouse with Alexis. Come to find out there is more to deal with that just this serial killer. Others have plans to "damage" Alexis and we discover that as time goes on. Leads to a whole lot of suspects. The story keeps you guessing until the final moments which come to some stunning surprises.
I liked how the story ended with hope for the future.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”