Bridal Reconnaissance

Dead Bolt #1

by Lisa Childs

Amanda Smith's worst fear had been confirmed: the man she'd sent to prison was getting released. After surviving a brutal attack that had stolen her memories, she'd spent the past six years looking over her shoulder. And she was getting ready to run again, when she suddenly found herself in the protection of Evan Quade -- the husband she couldn't remember.

But proof of Evan's claim was stamped on the face of her five-year-old son. Though she knew she should keep her distance, Amanda was drawn to the larger-than-life man who swore to defend her -- and their son -- from a madman bent on revenge. Now, with only each other to trust, could they overcome danger -- and desire?

DEAD BOLT
Silent memories unlock simmering passions...

Genres: Romance, Mystery

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

Born one dark and stormy Halloween night, Lisa Childs was predestined to write suspense novels. She loves spinning dark and twisty stories that keep readers awake because they’re either too busy turning pages or too scared to sleep. Lisa Childs is the prolific author of more than seventy published novels. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance.

Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook or through her website.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ~ Evan and Amanda had both come from dysfunctional families. While Evan's adoptive parents stayed together, they were unemotional and remote; Amanda's parents were jet-setters, and both had a penchant for divorces. So while still newlywed, Evan and Amanda had some rocky times, and when Evan had suggested they should start their own family, Amanda got cold feet, and told him that he should look for his biological family first. Their argument resulted in Amanda packing and leaving, but when she discovers she's pregnant she realizes how foolish she's been and sets off to return. And that's when their lives are changed completely, for she's attacked and forced into a car trunk. And hours later when the trunk opens she fights back and it's her resourcefulness that attracts attention, but not before she's gouged out one of his eyes, and he's knocked her head brutally. Waking in the hospital, Amanda has no idea of who she is, except that she knows she's pregnant.

Six years have passed and Evan is still looking for Amanda. He even checked Europe's jet-setter cities, but there's no sign of her. But he did follow Amanda's advice and had found his biological family, which gave him a mother and a half-sister. Moving to Winter Falls gives Evan a sense of family but nothing can replace the whole left by Amanda. Enlisting his business partner's husband who had an uncanny talent of tracking missing people, Evan tries again to find his wife. Which leads him to a city four hours away, and a woman who hasn't a clue who he is. Even without the designer clothes and the now crooked nose, Evan recognizes those flashing green eyes, but the clincher is when the five year old boy jumps off the school bus, a boy who looks just like Evan. Amanda's life is in turmoil, having just received a warning from her attacker's cellmate, that he's about to be released and he wants revenge. Evan isn't about to lose Amanda a second time, and no one is going to take away his son.

I'm a sucker for amnesia stories and I found this one a compelling read. The sense of danger is palpable and the characters are well written. I'm glad Evan and Amanda have their reunion, and it was lovely to touch base again with the other residents of Winter Falls. Ms. Childs has a pleasing writing voice and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a new exciting series this is. Lisa Childs has a great way of putting together a plot that will hold your attention through out the book, but in the end as the old saying goes love concers all.

[Cassie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 SLIPPERS

Six years ago Amanda Smith survived a brutal attack that left her battered, almost destroyed and without her memory. It also left her with a fear that never left her. The fear plagued her days when she would see a shadow, and it plagued her nights when all was dark. It never went away, never left her alone, not even for a single second. Not only did she fear for herself, but more than anything, she feared for her son.

The man she sent to prison for her attack was getting out, and she knew in her soul he was going to come after her again. Before she could run away, another man showed up claiming to be her husband, and with the resemblance between him and her son, he also claimed to be the father of her child. With no options in view, she did the only thing she could; she took a leap of faith and trusted in this man, Evan Quade, to keep her and her son alive and safe. The question was who was going to keep her safe from him?

BRIDAL RECONNAISSANCE was not your ordinary amnesiac romantic mystery. Lisa Childs added a fine flavor of mystery with just the right touch of romance that made a yummy read. Evan was hunky, hard as steel, yet vulnerable in the inside if you took the time to look. First Amanda was just a victim, but time and need made her into a fabulous heroine with fire in her veins. Together, along with some interesting secondary characters, Ms. Childs ended up with a great read.

This review was originally posted on Happy Ever After.