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Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason Review

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I pray that this Christmas season finds you all in good health, and surrounded by the warmth that comes from friends and family. As always, I also pray that we're all remembering the true reason for the season.

My hubby and I had a really good Christmas Eve last night. We celebrated with some of my family, and enjoyed taking time to truly reflect on the miracle that is Jesus' birth.

Today, Neil's working for a few hours, and I'm just going to take the morning to relax and read books and maybe watch a Christmas movie. Once he's home, we're going to have a late Christmas brunch and probably do our gift exchange. Later on, we will head over to my dad and stepmom's to celebrate the holidays with them and my siblings and stepsiblings and my nephews. 

Before all the celebrations start however, I thought it would be the perfect time to share a review of an upcoming Christian fiction title with you all.

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason:



Source: Publisher Via NetGalley

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

Genre: Christian Fiction/Suspense/Thriller

Series: Danger Never Sleeps


Synopsis:

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and
will have your heart working overtime.


(synopsis from goodreads)





My Review:

Collateral Damage was my first experience with a Lynette Eason novel. I'd been having her books recommended to me for years, since I'm a fan of other Christian suspense authors, and everyone seemed to suspect that I'd end up enjoying her books as well. However, even with expecting great things I think I was still unprepared for how eye opening and jaw dropping this story was going to be. It's an action packed, nail biter from the very opening chapter right through the conclusion of the story, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time as I tried to piece the complex story together.

The story follows a former military psychologist named Brooke who received honorary discharge after a bombing almost claimed her life. When a tragic murder occurs in her office, she comes into contact with a former military officer named Asher, who believes she may have been the intended target of the murder. As more and more attacks on Brooke and Asher keep happening, they begin to realize they've only tipped the surface of the dastardly plot that's starting to unravel around them. As they start to work with FBI Agents, military reporters, and military agents, they'll be shocked to the core as more and more details start to reveal themselves.

I'm often not personally a fan of stories that include many different characters and their various points of view, as I find that too often it can get confusing to the reader. While Collateral Damage includes a large cast of characters, I was really impressed with how well the author introduces each one and sets up their corresponding stories, as it keeps things organized and easy for the reader to follow. All of the interconnected stories keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and all weave together flawlessly in ways that one would never be able to suspect. The plot is also extremely fast paced, and I thought this worked well with the numerous stories unfolding throughout.

While this story ended up being a lot darker, with a more sinister plot than I was first expecting, I really appreciated the way that the themes of darkness and deceit are counterbalanced with a message of faith and light that will always shine through the darkness, no matter the circumstances. It was a really authentic representation of John 1:5, and will definitely have every reader thinking about the faith element.

Brooke and Asher were both characters I really enjoyed reading about, and I thought they brought out the best in each other. They'll stop at nothing to see justice served, and both showcase countless examples of courage and selflessness throughout the course of the story.

I loved this story, and the only complaint I had is that I had pinpointed one of the evil masterminds a little too early in the story for my liking, but other than that it was an amazing read, and I already can't wait to read the next installment in the series. 

I think it's a perfect choice for fans of other Christian suspense authors like Dani Pettrey, Colleen Coble or Natalie Walters. 


Final Rating: 4/5

Thanks so much to Revell and NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of this title to read and review!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review. 


Thanks so much for reading guys! I hope you all have a great rest of your Christmas holidays.

God Bless!

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