Standoff by Patricia Bradley {A Book Review}

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It's the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for park ranger Luke Fereday, lately it's being used to move drugs. Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers.

John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder, but things are more complicated than they first appear, and Brooke soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her. Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who's going to keep him safe when he realizes he's falling--hard--for the daughter of the man he failed to save?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley introduces you to a new series set in the sultry South that will have you wiping your brow and looking over your shoulder.

Patricia Bradley is the author of Justice Delayed, Justice Buried, Justice Betrayed, and Justice Delivered, as well as the Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award, and she was a Carol Award finalist. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

If the goal of the first book in the series it to make sure that the reader can't help but want to come back for more... well, consider this one a success! Right from page one I found myself drawn in, and those final moments still kept me wanting more. Needless to say, the second book cannot get here soon enough!

So, what made it such an enjoyable read? First and foremost, I loved that it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fast paced with a good deal of action thrown in. There were several times when the timeline was mentioned that I found myself amazed at just how much action had occurred within just a few short days. Unlike many stories, we were actually able to get glimpses into the bad guy's point of view... without ever having been told exactly who that was. We were giving plenty of clues... aimed in many different directions, so it was difficult to figure out exactly who it could be. As much as I enjoy the challenge of figuring everything out on my own, I really love books like this that keep me guessing. While I may have suspected who would eventually be revealed (and even figured out some of the other surprise reveals), there was enough suspicion thrown in various directions that I just never could be sure...

For me, the only thing that can make a good suspense even better is a bit of romance too. The relationship between Brooke and Luke was really enjoyable, albeit a little frustrating at points too. I enjoyed both of these characters, and their chemistry was undeniable. While certainly very much a part of the story, I feel like it did definitely take a backseat to the action so while romance lovers like myself will greatly appreciate it, I would think that even those who don't particular care for romance might find it doesn't take away from their enjoyment.

Overall, this was a great way to start a series. I cannot wait to see what the next book will bring...