Small time feel with a dangerous serial killer on the loose brings this story to the center of everyone’s attention. It is filled with action and twists that keep readers engaged. The characters are good and compliment each other. The main characters have a history which the author explores and gives us an emotional journey with them. I loved finding out who was behind the murders and how well the author kept us guessing.

I received a copy of this book from The Librarything Early Review Program. ( )

She's been working as an undercover cop in Chattanooga, but Alexis Stone has her heart set on becoming its first female chief of police. Hopefully, a short stint as the interim chief deputy in her hometown will add to her resume and increase her chances. Easy peasy...right? What she doesn't count on is becoming bait for a serial killer and needing the protection of the Pearl Springs police chief, a man that she once loved.

Counter Attack is the first book of a new series by veteran suspense author Patricia Bradley and it doesn't disappoint! It has well-developed characters, twists and turns, a peek into the dark web, and a serial murderer obsessed with the game of chess. I'm not a chess player so I was very intrigued with the Queen's Gambit Killer's calling card: a white pawn and a chess move for the police to ponder! I was also eager to see if the embers of a past relationship were strong enough to be ignited once again. Alexis and Nathan Landry definitely shared a powerful connection but is it enough? Will they turn to God for guidance in planning their future?

This book is a must-read for anyone wanting a thrilling adventure, a Southern setting, and inspiring romantic suspense. Counter Attack will keep you turning the pages to see if the Queen's Gambit Killer can be outwitted, and it will leave you anxious for more Pearl River novels!

I received a copy from the author and a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. There were no obligations for a positive review. ( )

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is an action-packed suspense sure to keep you turning pages deep into the night. It is full of realistic and fast-paced suspense and twists of mystery. I loved following along in the investigation with Nathan and Alexis and building my own suspect list. I enjoyed Nathan and Alexis's second chance/friends to more romance. I felt like the timing was genuine, and I loved the slow building of their relationship from their difficult past. The romance in some suspense novels can seem forced, but I felt like for Nathan and Alexis, their relationship flowed naturally with the rest of the story. I also appreciated the inspirational themes and the references to specific Scripture as the characters grew in their faith. I love being challenged by their faith struggles while I read!
Overall, I enjoyed these characters and watching them navigate through one obstacle after another. I'm a big fan of romantic suspense novels, and Counter Attack was pure entertainment.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley is the first book in her Pearl River series. Alexis Stone is now the interim chief deputy for the Russell County sheriff’s department. As if a new job wasn’t hard enough to deal with, she now has a serial killer on the loose in her county. Alex and Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry are running out of time. The killer is getting closer. This was a great beginning to the series! The action and suspense kept getting more intense and the ending is one you won’t see coming! I can’t wait for the next installment.

I received this book from the publisher for my honest review. ( )

Fast-paced and exciting from beginning to end, this novel easily held my attention the entire time and I had trouble putting it down! I loved the unique twists and turns, even if the killer was a little predictable. I also really liked the developing relationship between Alexis and Nathan, who have a history so their romance is realistic. Their chemistry adds the perfect amount of romantic tension to the suspense in the novel. I also liked the introduction of other characters that I’m hoping to read more about in the rest of the series. I really enjoyed this suspenseful novel and recommend to those who also enjoy suspense! I can’t wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )