Deadly Pursuit

Very good book. I really liked both Alison and Mitch. Alison is a social worker who is also recovering from bad injuries she received in a car accident and a broken engagement. Alison's dedication to her job and how determined she is to help the women and children she worked with can also make her some enemies. She has two over-protective older brothers who worry that she isn't moving ahead with her life. Cole talks her into helping out his new partner Match by attending a family wedding with him as his date. She hates it when Cole tries to set her up, but goes along with it this time. She ends up glad she did because Mitch turns out to be a really nice guy that she gets along with very well. She is also glad he is there when she gets show more another creepy gift left on her porch. She feels the potential in their relationship but she is cautious about depending on another man after the way her engagement ended. I really enjoyed seeing the way Mitch had a soothing effect on her fears and how she came to trust him.

Mitch is back in St. Louis to take care of his dad who had bypass surgery. He's trying to avoid the matchmaking attempts by his female relatives when he takes Alison to a family wedding. He isn't looking for a relationship but something about her really gets to him. Before the wedding is over he knows that he wants to see her again. When he finds out about the threats to her his protective instincts kick in also. I really liked Mitch's sweetness with Alison and his understanding of her feelings. I loved the way that he knew quickly that he wanted to keep her in his life but had the patience to move at her speed.

I usually prefer a bit more heat in my romances but Irene Hannon's books are always so good that I don't mind the difference. She does a lovely job of developing the relationship without depending on physical intimacies. There is a lot more time spent on getting to know each other. I really liked the epilogue.

The suspense part of the story was really good. It showed the escalation of the stalking and the buildup of the tensions. Part of the story was told from the stalker's point of view. His motivations and thought processes were definitely disturbing and went a long way toward adding to the intensity of the story. I really liked the way that there were multiple events and characters that all added to the progression of the story. As one thing built on another it got harder and harder for me to put the book down. By the time the end came I was wondering how it was going to happen. I loved the intensity of the finale. show less

I would love to sing rave reviews about this book, but I just can't. I did enjoy the overall theme and story line but could have done with out all the physical descriptions of how beautiful Alison was and how handsome he was. It seemed there was a lot of emphasis put on the physical attraction of these two - a little over the top for me. I found myself skipping over entire parts when they were together because I was tired of reading about the sweet scent of her silky hair as it brushed against his strong jaw and so on and so on.

That all set aside I loved the fact that the entire family was involved in the justice system in some way. I also like the suspense as the stalker advanced and they worked to discover the person behind show more everything. I also appreciated how this author wove in the message of God in the different characters and the message of life-sustaining faith.

Over all the plot and story are well written and developed. I think that those who love a sticky sweet romance and don't mind a little action and suspense will devour this book whole. For those who enjoy action and suspense but could leave or take the romance part this book may not be for you - as it wasn't for me. I do enjoy a good love story but not one based on the physical aspects of the other person. show less

I started reading Irene Hannon with later books but liked those enough to add her past books to my TBR list. This is one of those titles.

It was published in 2011 so it feels a bit dated. At least they seem to have cell phones now rather than blackberrys (as at least one of her past books did). I kept wondering why they didn't just ping Alison's cell phone as a starting point to where she was or where she might be--or at least to get a general direction in which she might have been heading. (I'm guessing that technology wasn't around yet??)

Likes:
*I like that the Taylor family cares for each other--even if they sometimes do it in a way that isn't appreciated by the one being cared for.
*I like the Morgan men. They seem to care for and show more about each other. I like Mitch's patience with Alison and his ability to know when to let her be independent and when to push that she do things that protect her.

Dislikes:
*Christian faith isn't really a big part of the book. There's a brief discussion between Alison and Mitch about it after which he starts going to church again and a few brief mentions. I don't want the book to get preachy, but I'd still like a character's faith or belief system to be a bit more prominent.
*I thought they should have thought of Darryl as a suspect long before they did. Alison had mentioned Nicole's case as being similar to Ellen's so he should have been on her mind. She even mentioned the case to Mitch--not that he connected the dots to check if Darryl was still in prison either. show less

AWESOMENESS! Totally AWESOMENESS! Yep. Irene Hannon has done it again. She has created a novel that is suspenseful, funny, inspiring, and just plain AWESOME! True to the description, this novel is Irene Hannon's writing at it's VERY best.

Picking up where Fatal Judgement left, Irene brings us a look into Alison's life. She is still getting over her accident from a year before. She's left physically challenged, and of course, emotional issues are a big part of her life, after her fiance left her. That is, until she meets her brother Cole's new partner, ex-Navy Seal, Mitch Morgan. Cole sets them up on a date to Mitch's relative's wedding, and it's instant attraction for them both. But, both aren't looking for a relationship. God has other show more plans in store for them. Or, so they think.

After becoming friends and going on a date or two, things take a turn when someone starts prank calling Alison, and leaving prank gifts for her. Someone is out to pursue her in the deadliest way. Now, Mitch(and Alison's overprotective big brothers!) can't help but be a part of Alison's life, as he's on the hunt for the prankster and to protect her. But, will his efforts, and his growing attraction, be enough to save her from this deadliest pursuit?

DEFINITELY worth the read! Irene Hannon has what it takes to write 5 Book quality novels, mix them up with page-turning plots, edge of your seat action, heart-pounding suspense, and God-centered romances. If you like a novel that will get your blood pumping, your heart racing, your mind thinking, then don't hesitate for a minute to grab a copy of this newest novel from Irene Hannon. While it's easily read as a stand alone, I highly suggest reading it after you read Fatal Judgement. You'll be an Irene Hannon fan for LIFE! I can't wait to read Cole's story next! show less

I couldn’t wait to get this book since I had read (and reviewed) Fatal Judgment, the first book in the Guardians of Justice series. That one was a great read and I was looking for the same action-packed and intense story line. I certainly was not disappointed!

Starting with the first chapter of Deadly Pursuit, I was hooked. Although this is a continuation in the Guardians of Justice series, it can also be read as a stand-alone book. Ms. Hannon gives enough background to entice the new reader but doesn’t become overly repetitive to the reader from Fatal Judgment. After the background on the characters, you’re pulled right into the storyline.

I like how Hannon gave us details about the bad guys—for most of us, it’s an unknown way show more of life. Many addicts blame the bad things in their lives on someone else instead of taking accountability. Seeing how their minds work was illuminating. I loved how Hannon got into their heads and actions to explain the “why” behind what they do.

On the flip side, the Taylor clan is the antithesis of the “villains”. Hardworking, compassionate, and faithful (for the most part) make an interesting contrast to the bad guys. Although this is a Christian novel, it’s not “preachy”. It’s moving how each character trusts God to intervene and lead them in the right direction, even if they don’t know what direction that is. To me, that’s true faith and that’s one of the reasons I enjoy Ms. Hannon’s books.

One thing that did disturb me was a couple of the graphic situations---I won’t spoil the story but if you are squeamish, beware! That’s about the only negative I have on Deadly Pursuit---it’s definitely a book you can’t put down, especially the last few chapters. Grab one for yourself—you won’t be sorry!

Overall, I give Deadly Pursuit 4 stars. Thank you Ms Hannon! I look forward to the next installment!

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received this book free from Revell as part of their book review bloggers program. 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." show less

I like the way the back cover of the book stated it: "A stalker with deadly intent. . . A woman who protects children. . . An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective." This makes for a "nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance". This story is about Alison Taylor (who is the sister of Jake Taylor who was the leading man in book one, "Fatal Judgment"). You can read this as a stand alone book, but the series is about the three Taylor siblings and talks about each of them in all three stories.

Alison is a social worker and loves protecting children. When a stalker takes an evil turn in Alison's life, her police-detective brother, Cole, and his partner, Mitch Morgan, set out to protect her from danger. As things intensify so does the show more feelings between Alison and Mitch. Protecting her at all costs takes priority in his life, but that will be easier said than done. I liked the way all the pieces came together in the search for Alison near the end. Another story that was hard to put down until I finished! show less

NCLA Review: This predictable romantic suspense follows Alison, a social worker, who is being stalked by a client’s ex-boyfriend who feels that she ruined his life. Alison has two brothers who are in law enforcement. Her police-detective brother Cole sets her up on a date with his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch. She and Mitch quickly start having feelings for each other as he works to protect her and capture the increasingly dangerous stalker. Alison’s Christian faith and Mitch’s return to faith are deftly woven into the storyline. A reader who is looking for a suspense novel without gratuitous sex and violence would find it here although the romance aspect plays just as big a part in the storyline. This book can stand alone show more although it is the second in a series revolving around the three siblings. Rating: 3 — AL show less