Driving Force is a collaborative effort by Kate Angelo, the primary author of the novel, and Lynette Eason, the creator of the original Elite Guardians series. The result is a great book by a new-to-me author combined with a favorite series. I loved the fresh voice Angelo brings to the novel. A fast-paced romantic suspense, it kept this reader on her toes trying to decide just whodunit. There seems to be danger around every turn as the characters try to deny the chemistry between them — a perfect combo for lovers of this genre. I especially loved that the the female lead is a highly trained bodyguard and the male lead is a determined and accomplished disabled veteran. The military working dog/service dog is a big plus for animal lovers. The novel immediately grabbed me and kept me engaged until the last page was turned. Do you love great romantic suspense? Then this one is for you. Recommended.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

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

Driving Force by Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo offers a highly entertaining story with plenty of suspense and mystery. The novel’s plot clips along from the beginning and held my attention throughout. Having a wheelchair bound hero (Grey) and a military dog (Boss) set this book apart from others in the romantic suspense genre. Grey and Boss felt especially unique and admirable. Boss proved to be amazing in many ways – his loyalty, intelligence, training, and intuition.

While Driving Force piles on the tense moments, Grey and Christina both have spiritual and emotional issues to deal with. The characters struggle with the answers they find, and that process added a depth that I appreciated. As expected, the action of the story takes center stage, but the character development enhances the story with its presence.

Driving Force by Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo stands as the first novel in the Elite Guardians Collection from Sunrise Publishing. This series spins off from Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardians Series, which I have not read. It was easy to guess which women were part of the former series, but sometimes a bit difficult to keep all the side characters straight. Driving Force works as a stand-alone novel and gives this new series a strong start. I look forward to reading the forthcoming novels in the Elite Guardians Collection. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )

At a writers’ conference this week I learned that romantic suspense with strong female leads are what is selling right now, and Lynette Eason has delivered on all accounts for years. Driving Force written by Eason and Kate Angelo team up to return us to a reader-favorite series: The Elite Guardians.

Christina’s military background makes her the perfect candidate to protect Grey’s dog. And from the first chapter of this book, the author clue readers in that things aren’t going to be as simple as all that. There was definite connection between Christina and Grey from their first meeting, but also some missteps on both their parts.

There is a good balance of intense scenes throughout the book along with those of getting to know the characters. And Boss steals the show every time he shows up.

And while I guessed the culprit early on and my suspicions never strayed from that person, the journey to uncover whether or not my assumption was right kept me turning those pages. I’m looking forward to what comes next in this series.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

This collaboration between Lynette Eason and debut author Kate Angelo is fantastic, and it offers readers first-rate writing, characters that are intriguing, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Driving Force begins with excitement, and it never lets up. Captain Grey Parker and Christina Sherman are the best kind of hero and heroine---flawed individuals who just keep trying to overcome the odds that they're facing. Add to this mix a dog that we'd all love to own, and this story couldn't possibly be any better!

This book has danger, non-stop action, lots of questions, and a romance that leaves you hoping for more. Throw in a hefty dose of faith and inspiration, and the results are a great start to a new series. Driving Force is a nail-biter that I couldn't put down and I can't wait to see what's next in this Elite Guardians Collection.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no expectation of a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

Oh my goodness I couldn't put it down but had to sleep at some point. This was such a good book. Great debut job Kate Angelo and having Lynette Eason involved is icing on the cake. It was a great story plot, relatable characters, real struggles, it's suspense at its best. Surprises, twists and turns and the dog...oh the dog. Boss was an absolute awesome character in this story. If you love suspense grab this one, you won't be disappointed. My thanks to Sunrise Publishing for a complimentary copy. The expressed views are entirely my own. ( )