Wyoming Mountain Hostage (Cowboy State Lawmen, 3)

** 3 1/2 stars ** Well, Becca and Jake, who knew? What started out as fun, develops into something more. But what that more could be is tested by an unexpected hostage situation. The action starts immediately. You’re left saying What. Just. Happened? in the first few pages. That’s the way to start a book! This was a unique way to tell a love story. The characters aren’t really “together” during the majority of the book, but through their few interactions, flashbacks, and memories, you get to know how they came to be. Then together we’re all on the ride of what they might become. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

We saw hints of Agent Becca Hammond and Agent Jack Delgado in the first and second Cowboy State Lawmen books. Jake is Lynn’s brother from book one. We also get to see Nash, Lynn’s fiancé and Jakes soon to be brother in law step in to help out Jake. Nash and Becca are on the same team. After dropping a bomb shell that’s she’s pregnant, she runs into the library to find her nephew and is taken hostage. The stakes are super high, this kept me guessing at every turn. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen it took me by a pleasant surprise! If you’ve read books one and two your will surely enjoy this. I do think that he caught a glimpse of the what’s is store for book 4 but you’ll have to read it to find out!

Whenever I pick up a Juno Rushdan book, I know I’m in for a suspenseful ride. And while I was initially a bit doubtful – how would a romance work when the MCs are apart for a good chunk of the book? – well, I should know by now not to doubt Ms. Rushdan! This is a deeply satisfying romantic suspense, with high stakes, twists and a no-strings-attached romance that’s tested by several explosive revelations. “Just remember that any blood spilled is his fault. Not ours.” “Justice for one,” she said, “justice for all.” Despite being at loggerheads for years, there’s always been an attraction between FBI agents Becca and Jake. For the past few months that’s turned into a passionate affair whenever the two of them are in the same town. But things are changing, so when Becca’s attempts to turn their no-strings-attached fling into a relationship aren’t received well she storms off into the town library to retrieve her nephew from his high school bookclub. Jake is stunned and blindsided that Becca wants to suddenly change the terms of their agreement – and even more stunned when a van full of armed men suddenly storm the library, taking everyone inside hostage, including Becca. With his lover’s life on the line, this may be the most important hostage negotiation of Jake’s life. Jake is confident and honest, two traits that you’d definitely want in a hostage negotiator. He also excels at compartmentalizing his emotions, something that’s great for his work but not so great for his personal life as his ex would attest to. He also has a seriously annoying tendency to question Becca’s decisions, to treat her like she’s acting without thinking. Truthfully, Becca is the kind of agent who acts on her hunches and takes risks, but not unnecessary ones. Jake does admire her stubbornness, but in a hostage situation where it means she’s likely to try to outwit her kidnapppers? Not so much. But despite everything else, Becca knows her own mind and where she stands. If Jake won’t step up to his new role, well, he’s not necessary for her new life. This is basically everything I’m looking for in a romantic suspense: two main characters who are highly competent at their jobs, high stakes and enough twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. While I usually prefer to only have the MC’s POVs, the author skillfully interweaves the hostage takers’ in as well, adding in emotional depth on all sides (and plenty of little hints to ratchet up the tension). Overall, another excellent entry into the series, and I’m looking forward to getting Charlie’s book next! Highly recommended to anyone who loves romantic suspense! I received an advance review copy of this book from Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Terrific book that kept me hooked from beginning to end. It was fast-paced, with a believable scenario and sympathetic characters. Though the action took place over 24 to 36 hours, it did not feel rushed. In addition to the main characters, Jake and Becca, previous characters Nash and Lynn (Wyoming Winter Rescue) also play significant roles in this book. Jake and Becca are FBI agents who have a friends-with-benefits relationship. They've known each other since they attended the FBI Academy, where a simmering attraction underscored an intense rivalry. After meeting again recently, they began a no-strings, no-commitment relationship, indulging their passion without risking their hearts. But that is about to change. As the book opens, Becca breaks the news that she's pregnant with his baby. She wants to know where he sees their relationship going. Stunned by the news, Jake isn't sure how to react. He tells her he likes things the way they are, sticks his foot in his mouth about the baby, and is distracted by a drive-by shooting. They are at the local library waiting to pick up Becca's nephew. As gunmen approach the library, Becca rushes in to attempt to get her nephew and his friends out but gets taken hostage along with the others. Jake, an FBI hostage negotiator, steps up to help local officials deal with the situation. He's still reeling from Becca's news but has to bury those feelings to do his job. However, knowing she is in danger makes him realize how much he cares for her. He's avoided commitment because of a disastrous past relationship, but his feelings for Becca are strong enough to overcome those fears. He just has to keep her alive long enough to tell her. I loved the depth of detail in the book, from the actions taken by the characters to their thoughts and motivations. Jake's patience and determination are stellar, and I loved seeing him work his magic with the head hostage taker. He has to deal with outside influences, and I enjoyed seeing him shut them down. Jake's fear for Becca is palpable as the negotiations go on. Meanwhile, Becca, who has not disclosed that she is an FBI agent, is determined to do whatever she can to help Jake and the others succeed. She took several risks that could get her killed and drew the attention of the least stable of the gunmen, and I held my breath at several close calls. The final confrontation at the library was a nail-biter. Then an unexpected discovery reveals that the threat isn't over. The time to prevent a disaster is short, and the agents are left scrambling to get the information they need. I loved that Becca knew where to find the weakest link, thanks to her time as a hostage. Her methods of getting the required information were precisely what was needed. The intensity was incredible as she, Jake, and other agents raced to the scene. Of course, Becca was the...