When a novel starts out with a woman who is running for her life, and who is eight months pregnant, you can't help but be immediately intrigued. That is where you meet Kate. You would think your heart would go out to a woman who is in such a predicament, and it does, but what do you do when you struggle through an entire novel trying to connect with her? You keep on reading and hope that further down the line the connection will be there. For me, it never came.

It isn't that Expecting Danger is bad. Actually I was quite taken with Jake, Kate's knight-in-shining-armor, a role that he plays perfectly. How can you not fall in love with an ex-military man that puts his faith first, and risks his life, to follow his instincts and his heart? But even the incredible Jake wasn't enough to further boost my love for this novel.

Despite having suspense, without having the connection to Kate's character, I struggled to care about their plight. I found myself bored with the predictability, and the only question I really craved to know as I read was the gender of Kate's unborn child.

I feel like there could've been a lot more character development for both Jake and Kate, which I do realize could've happened in the first book in the series, but since I haven't read it, I can't say for sure. All I know is the entire time I read I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something missing. It makes me sad, because there is so much good in this novel. I loved the Bible verses that were quoted throughout, giving the characters strength, and did like the unique situation, but I just craved more.

*I have voluntarily reviewed this book for JustRead Tours and read through Kindle Unlimited. All views and opinions in this post are completely honest, and my own. ( )

Expecting Danger by Jennifer Pierce is the second in Small Town Guardians. Pierce is a new to me author so I wasn't sure what to expect with this book and I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging the story is. Readers are drawn immediately into Kate's story. She's been on the run from a criminal for months and he just keeps finding her. Kate is quite an amazing young woman, 8 months pregnant and still able to keep her wits about her and escape the man who is pursuing her. Almost caught again, she encounters Jake, a man who won't take no for an answer. Danger dogs them throughout the book. Would they ever be safe? Would Kate be able to care for her baby and keep him or her safe or would she alwyas be on the run. The author does a great job of keeping interest high with twists and turns to the plot. And I loved the sweet romance that develops between Kate and Jake. The story is full of drama, suspense, and emotional tension. And throughout it all is the tender message of God’s love and beauty of second chances. Readers who like suspense and romance will want to read Expecting Danger.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book through JustReads Tours and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. ( )

"The hair on the back of Kate's neck stood on end, and the feeling of being watched crawled along her skin in goose bumps. She was supposed to be at home, savoring the last month of her pregnancy.....Instead, her husband was buried in a cold dark grave, and she was running for her life."

Expecting Danger begins with a rush and the thrills never let up, as Kate runs from the person or persons chasing her, while working to discover why she is their target. Thankfully, she is joined by Jacob "Jake" Jones, who happens into her life and attempts to keep her safe until she can deliver her baby. As they try to escape, Jake finds that he is facing another risk because Kate's pregnancy constantly reminds him of the wife and baby that he's lost. Emotional anguish can be as harmful as physical danger and Jake finds himself experiencing both! Will Kate and Jake find the answers they need to end this nightmare? Can Jake overcome his grief and let go of the past? Is there a future for Kate and her baby with this wonderful, caring man?

Author Jennifer Pierce grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I felt as if I was there as Kate and Jake continually faced perils and danger in their race to find the truth. I enjoyed seeing how the hurts from their pasts were slowly healed as they learned to trust each other and I loved the strong faith element that is at the core of this story. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, you will certainly find it in Expecting Danger!

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from JustRead Tours. A positive review was never required. These are my own thoughts. ( )