Kidnapped in the Woods (Love Inspired Suspense)

I love this author’s books – Deena Alexander is a master at writing harrowing suspense and sweet romance, not to mention characters that I genuinely care about. Characters like journalist Rachel Davenport and firefighter Pat Ryan who are unexpectedly thrust together in a race to save a young woman’s life – and their own. Rachel is clearly passionate about rescuing these girls from a local human trafficking operation, so much so that she takes it upon herself to break Jane free after an urgent tip. Which, of course, ends badly and sends them running into the woods and straight into Pat’s world. Rachel’s strength and her sincere desire to help makes her a force to be reckoned with, and I completely enjoyed getting to know her. And then there’s Pat who is so sweet and safe and steady. He didn’t ask for his life to be upended but he and his endearing dog are willing to rise to the occasion, protect Rachel and Jane to the best of his ability and get them all to a place of refuge. (Side note: The cameos in Kidnapped in the Woods of characters from Shielding the Tiny Target made my reader heart so happy!) The suspense, as you may already be able to tell, is intense from beginning to end. Snowstorms, evil men, abandoned homes, gun battles, explosions, and chaotic chases through the unforgiving woods – oh my! I was on the edge of my reading chair and could not put the book down until all was said and done. Oh – and don’t relax. Like, ever. Not only because of the ongoing race for safety but also because of some stunning twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! Bottom Line: My heart started out in my throat from the first few pages of Kidnapped in the Woods, and it stayed pretty firmly lodged there until the very end. There is danger at every turn, from some truly nasty bad guys as well as the perilous elements into which our main characters are fleeing. I loved Rachel and Pat as individual characters, as a team, and as romantic leads. Intense situations amplify emotions, and their falling in love made sense to me in light of all they’d gone through together in so short a time. This is a great read in every way, from the suspense to the romance, as well as the gentle reminder of God’s faithfulness in the storms of life. Already looking forward to Deena Alexander’s next book! (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)