"Crossfire" by Lynette Eason

Crossfire (Aug. 2, 2022)​ by Lynette Eason.*

There’s a situation, and hostages are involved. Julianna Jameson is called on as the negotiator; she works for the FBI as a special agent. When there are no eyes and ears in the courtroom where this is going down, it’s thanks to SRO Clay Fox’s sister, Reese, that they know anything going on. Quick thinking determines where the hostage taker and his cronies will tunnel out. Julianna’s never lost any hostages and someone - or more than one someone - plans to change that. Too soon, Julianna is personally requested as a negotiator on-scene, but she isn’t given a chance to negotiate for the lives of the hostages. Things become far more personal when someone enters her house unbeknownst to her and, later, runs her off the road and kidnaps her 18-year-old sister, Dottie. When the perpetrator is caught, they all think they can breathe a sigh of relief, but all is not over. A person from Julianna’s past places full blame on her from a tragedy almost 15 years ago. As Julianna pushes to identify the perpetrator, it is clear that she’s interested in Clay and him in her. Will their romantic interest have a chance to bloom or will tragedies from both their pasts wither away the potential for true love?

            Every time I read Eason’s stories, I feel like a victor. I love that Revell Books introduced me to this author, and I’ve kept up with her stories ever since. This second in the Extreme Measures series features what I would expect of Eason: fierce, independent leading females, strong but sensitive lead-role-opposite males, despicable antagonists and healing, growth and faith. There is the theme of multiple characters of strong faith and at least one whose faith struggles, but that’s one of the areas where growth is seen. The plot is intense and fast-paced. The story takes you on a ride so fast it’s hard to catch your breath. The dynamic amongst characters is well thought out, even down to how Julianna negotiates with hostage takers. Yes, it’s fiction, but it reads so realistically, such is Eason’s skill. Eason’s novels are an excellent choice for fans of inspirational, romantic suspense novels. I look forward to the next in the series!

            Book 1: Life Flight

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly 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.”