With a title like Collateral Damage readers should ready themselves for just that, right? Sadly, even with the title warning of such painful twists and turns I found even more damage than I had thought possible in one book, with danger at every turn, secrets, and assassins. I’ve struggled to write this review since I liked how Asher was portrayed and I kind of liked Brooke though she felt under developed, but honestly? This is my least favorite book by Eason. I really didn’t like it.

Wow, never thought I would say that about Lynette Eason’s books since I have enjoyed each of the books I’ve read by her. Sadly, this book was sickening, sad, heartbreaking, and so much more. I hated what the bad guys did, I really hated the story because of the subjects covered, like a lot. YEAH THIS IS A SPOILER BUT I DON’T CARE … Organ trafficking kids? SICK! Yes, I understand that sick horrible people do this, and that this needs to be stopped but PLEASE some warning before I pick up a book I expect to like and end up instead feeling like puking.

Sorry, but this is just such a painful story and I really don’t know how to rate it since I disliked so much about it yet enjoyed some of it. And I’m writing this reviedw after the fact which means I have been avoiding writing this review which proves my dislike of it.

If I had known what would happen would I request to read and review Collateral Damage? Maybe, I would not have expected it to be like this but I would have had some warning, right?

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

Brooke is discharged from the army and returns home to set up her counselor practice, where she meets Asher. When Asher arrives, it is discovered that there is a body in the office and Brooke and Asher resolve to figure out what is happening.
As typical of a Lynette Eason book, this story is told with compelling prose that makes it difficult to put down. Eason also wove themes of faith in throughout the book well.
However, I felt like too many characters were introduced in a short time and as a result, the story was more difficult to understand.
Overall, this was not my favorite Lynette Eason book and I doubt that I'd visit the story again for a reread.

Rating: 4 Stars
Content: 4 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own. ( )

12-Feb-2020 19-Feb-2020 ( )

Nice pace and good mystery with two Army vet (a psychiatrist and a special force Sergeant First Class) solving a mystery after being back from war overseas. This is probably my first Christian-Romance-Suspense novel. A lighter version of Joel C. Rosenberg thrillers if you read his books. ( )

I don’t think I have read a book by Lynette Eason that I have not liked. Collateral Damage, the first book in the Danger Never Sleeps series, is no exception. Its complex plotting, credible characters, and hold-your-breath action keeps Eason a must-read author and Collateral Damage a recommended read.

I loved that the book is set in both Afghanistan and South Carolina. It helped show that actions taken across the world really impact people in our own country — even actions of a very nefarious nature. The differences between the countries are vast, but the motivations and hearts of the people are the same, both for the good and bad. I won’t include any spoilers, but this book’s subject matter was a bit hard to read. But hard doesn’t mean graphic or sensationalized. The story begins with a bang, literally, and keeps its race-against-time pace throughout. The plot has a lot of seemingly unconnected strands, but they slowly emerge in one complexly crafted thread. As with any Eason novel, romance is also included. Main characters Brooke and Asher at first fight their chemistry — they both struggle with PTSD from their time in Afghanistan — but as they come to rely on each other more and more, you know that a strong relationship is sure to follow. While I really enjoyed this book, I did find the actual investigation a bit hard to believe. Neither Brooke or Asher are in law enforcement, yet they are included in the case almost from the start. Not sure that would happen in real life, but this is fiction so I am good with their level of involvement in this riveting book.

For fans of romantic suspense, Collateral Damage is a great reading choice.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone) ( )