Dead Again (Defenders of Battle Mountain, 6)

This is the fifth book of the Defenders of Battle Mountain series. This story spotlights Macie, Battle Mountain police department’s dispatcher, who has been keeping secrets from her co-workers and friends. Twenty-five years ago one of best friends was murdered and she has been trying to solve the case, as she moves about the country so the murderer never finds her. As she is minutes away from fleeing, another one of her childhood best friends comes knocking at her door. Riggs, now a police detective, is investigating his partner’s death, and he found Macie’s contact information in his pockets. They combine their efforts to solve Rigg’s partner’s death, which may help them solve their childhood friend’s murder. Drama, secrets, mystery, twists and turns woven throughout the plot totally kept my interest. As I’m swiftly moving through the chapters, attempting to guess who the murderer is, suddenly there are strategically placed action scenes, brilliantly described that made my pulse quicken. The author surprised me with events I never saw coming. I love all the characters from Battle Mountain that had their own stories, and these primary characters did not disappoint. Even after five books in this series, Ms Severn is still able to keep the story fresh, the characters relatable, and the drama heart pounding, making this another hard to put down gem. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

We are back in Battle Mountain with another nail bitting, suspense romance that will have the reader on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. Macie/Avalynn Barclay has been the town’s police dispatcher for a few years. Most consider her eccentric and have no idea she’s been running for the past 25 years while investigating the kidnapping and death of her childhood friend. Since then, she’s been looking over her shoulder in fear of the kidnapper finding her. Riggs Karig , once best friend’s with Macie is in town to investigate the murder of his partner and friend. He too has never forgotten the kidnapped and murdered girl and just like Macie, has spent his life looking for answers and Macie/Avalynn. Imagine his surprise to come face to face with Macie. When another girl is kidnapped, Macie will do everything to find the girl. Will the girl be found? Will Macie and Riggs finally find their happiness or will they continue to allow the past dictate their present and future? Aside from the engaging plot and complex characters, this was a story about how one’s past experiences, especially as a child, will affect the adult one becomes throughout their lives. It is also a story about letting go of the hurt and allowing others into our lives. Together becoming a stronger unit. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wow. What a story that was ! Macie, girl what a life you have lived. Well, semi-lived because of what happened when you were ten years old. On the run for all those years, hiding but also constantly looking for the man who ruined her life and those of her friends. What a great place she has been hiding in recently though. The people there are outstanding too. Macie was outstanding in her own unique way and I liked her a lot ! Riggs Karig has a whole lot of issues which don't show up right away. But he is one tough, intense Detective. It took me a while to warm up to him. But behind his wall, there was a lot of pain that he was hiding and also some he wasn't fully aware of. They are going to fight hard to have any trust established between them. It's a fragile thing easily broken. I totally fell in love with feisty Penny and can see why others did too. The actions caused by the diabolical villain is off the charts. Every time they think they have him, him just manages to slip away unrecognized. But that won't last forever and when the end comes it comes in a MAJOR way. The personal ending was everything I could have hoped for. “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

I loved both books in the 2/1. Rushdan and Severn created fun characters and standup suspense while still making sure the HEA is believable. I recommend both!

Macie and Riggs were childhood friends until she disappeared after the Kidnapping and murder of their friend. They are both shocked when they find each other all these years later. When another child is kidnapped can they help each other find out what’s happening and have a chance to?