Danger in the Shadows

Defender Sweethearts #2

by Roxanne Rustand, Kimberley Woodhouse, Terry Toler

Immerse yourself in Danger in the Shadows, ten pulse-pounding, full-length novels in a single Christian suspense and romantic suspense anthology. From frozen wildernesses to sun-drenched beaches, from urban skyscrapers to rugged forests, each story delivers a mix of secrets, crime, and chilling danger. With strong female leads, heart-stopping thrills, and inspiring themes of trust and forgiveness, these tales of love and mystery are a must-read for fans of clean romance and page-turning suspense.



Hidden Target

By USA Today bestselling author Roxanne Rustand

Jake Landers is buying a rodeo company. Someone wants to stop him, but the best person to help him is the woman he jilted years ago…



Haunting of the High One

By bestselling and award-winning author Kimberley Woodhouse

Twelve years have passed since Charity Waldrep’s attempt to ascend Denali ended in tragedy. It’s different this time…or is history doomed to repeat itself?



Undercover Miami (Jamie Austen Thrillers Book 21)

By award-winning author Terry Toler

A wife shoots her abusive husband in his sleep. Can she still be charged with murder if he’s already dead?



The Prom Night Hitchhiker

By New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hickey

Pressley Taylor and Jackson Hudson investigate an eerie urban a ghostly hitchhiker returning home each year. Is it myth, or something darker?



The Hidden Legacy (Book two in the Ford Family Ranch series)

By June Foster, bestselling author of the Cranberry Cove series

Rancher Austin Ford and veterinarian Willow Lawson confront buried family secrets and unexpected danger, testing their growing bond amid mysterious threats to their future.



Never a Hostage (Defender Sweethearts Book 2)

By USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson

Three people in a web of lies. Two private investigators seeking truth. One hostage plan gone wrong.



I Can’t Hear You

By award-winning author Vikki Kestell

Two separate deaths, neither suspicious. What confounds Detective Richard Hawke is that blood found at the scene doesn’t belong to either of the deceased.



Deadly Exposure

By USA Today bestselling author Lesley Ann McDaniel

When Valerie’s dad invites photographer Derek to stay for the winter on their farm, strange things begin happening…



Hide and Seek (Kane Security Book 1)

By Nancy J. Farrier

When her teenage daughter is kidnapped, Jayne must work with wounded military vet, Dylan, to rescue her, but Jayne’s secrets may cost her everything.

The Year of the Dog (Mahina Security, Book 3)

By USA Today bestselling author Camy Tang

Dog trainer Mari Mutou is having a bad year—especially when a new client with a hidden agenda appears, investigating a missing persons cold case.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Suspense

2802 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Roxanne is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of forty romantic suspense, mystery, and heart-warming, emotionally charged relationship novels in the clean & wholesome, as well as inspirational romance genres.

She got her first horse at the tender age of six and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year-round. It was like giving a child car keys!

She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along.

She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all beloved elderly pasture ornaments, now), a golden retriever, a Mountain Cur rescue, and six fluffy barn cats. It's a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home!

Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.

To connect...

https://www.roxannerustand.com

https://bookbub.com/authors/roxanne-r...

https://amazon.com/author/roxannerustand

https://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand

Reviews

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse
Review to come.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good collection. I particularly liked Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse. I found Charity's character to be relatable. I really liked the flashback scenes. I felt like they added to the story perfectly. Kimberley did such a good job packing so much into this story.

[Paty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection of 10 Christian Suspense Full-length Novels! I have not yet read all of them, but most of the authors are amazing, and some I’m looking forward to reading them for the first time.
However, I wanted to focus on Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse. She’s absolutely one of my favorite authors and I was looking forward to reading her new suspenseful novel. Well, it didn’t disappoint! I was mesmerized with the story, the characters and their journey to redemption.
Charity Waldrep is ready to reach the top of Denali after 12 years of grief, frustration and anger. The day she first tried the feat, it ended with the tragedy of the loss of her best friend. Will burying Beth’s last letter on the top bring closure?
Andrew Hartford is part of the rescue team at Denali and when he finds Charity trying to do the climb by herself and tries to dissuade her, he doesn’t recognize at first that she is the traumatized woman he hurt 12 years ago with his unsensible comments. How can he convince her to let him help her, when he’s the last person she would like to see on the mountain? But Andrew is not the same person he was before. Can he show her how true healing may be accomplished and it doesn’t depend on her reaching the top? Even more, can he protect her from an unknown evil that lurks near and is trying to end her life?
Wow, this has to be one of the most heart-tugging and inspiring stories I’ve ever read. I loved the suspenseful part, and getting the POV of the villain certainly made the story more intriguing, but the best part of the book for me was the faith inspired thread based on two broken characters who have lost and need to find their purpose in life, and another character who has lost too, but has found Jesus long ago, and her faith is what sustains her through-out very dark times.
Charity’s struggle to understand God as her best friend Beth portrays him is nearly impossible. How can a God that has let her experience such emotional grief and loss be good? Yet, her love for her most intimate friend leads her to slowly -frustatingly slowly- open up her heart that was apparently closed forever. The author brings you back and forth in time, from the characters teenage years, to their 30th shared birthday to the actual day 12 years later. There are so many things to learn from each of their experiences through-out the years. Charity and Andrew’s experiences were heartbreaking and they moved me deeply. I was inspired in both stories. Andrew turning to God from a life of arrogance, addiction and bad decisions. His story was so humbling. The people who inspired him to change, plus the circumstances he experienced, reminded me of how God needs us to be His instruments in helping people heal by bringing them to Him. Beth’s character was beautiful. The way she lived her faith in spite of her dark moments. Her genuine interest in bringing Charity to know the source of eternal happiness, completely inspired me and touched me deeply. Charity’s journey was heartbreaking to say the least but it showed me how we can help people by living our faith with sincerity and letting others know how trust in God doesn’t take away our problems or pain, but it gives you the strength -based in his Unconditional Love- to live through them and make the most of it to grow into a better, kinder and more compassionate person.
The story is really good, compelling, intriguing, but among all, deeply inspiring and thought provoking. The romance is sweet, but not the focus of the story. Redemption is the focus and main thread that will keep you rooting for all the main characters, from the first page until the last.
Looking forward to reading the other 9 Christian Suspense which I suspect will be as good and inspiring as this one.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to write a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with mystery, romance, & adventure, the Danger in the Shadows collection starts off with a bang & doesn’t let go! Each story is unique & carries a beautiful faith thread woven throughout. I’ve read several of these amazing stories & especially loved Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse which combines the majesty & danger of Denali with a compelling faith journey, surprising mystery, & hint of romance.

Charity Waldrep’s ready to conquer Denali again after twelve long years of anger & guilt. The last time she summited the formidable peak she lost her best friend & blames herself & God. Now after relentlessly pursuing peace she’s hoping to find it on top of the mountain & bury her guilt for good. But, will she survive the solo climb or will the mountain claim another life?

Andrew Hartford’s part of the mountain’s rescue team & has his own troubled past. When he meets Charity on Denali after twelve years he’s puzzled by her anger towards him until he remembers what happened. Now he’s determined to protect her from the mountain & herself. When Charity’s forced to lean on him for support, her antagonism slowly disappears & they begin to build a mutual understanding & respect. But, not only is there danger from the harsh climate of Denali, but an unforeseen danger seeking revenge.

This touching story had me on the edge of my seat. The timeline jumps from the past when Charity & Beth were teenagers to their 30th birthday to present day. There’s a subtle mystery that builds throughout juxtaposed with Charity’s antagonism towards religion & Beth’s hope for her friend to find faith. I loved Charity’s beautiful journey from anger & antagonism to faith.

Andrew’s backstory & faith journey is also woven throughout from when he was a teenager to present day. When he & Charity meet again, the sparks fly. I enjoyed seeing their relationship change to one of reliance & friendship. Both of these broken people find a chance for love & hope.

The mystery definitely surprised me! The clues are subtle & lead to an action packed, explosive ending. Highly recommend to romantic suspense fans! Each book in the collection is meant to be read as a standalone & can be read in any order. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger In The Shadows is a boxset of 10 Christian suspense stories by 10 authors.  The story I want to highlight today is Deadly Focus by Lesley Ann McDaniel.  It is a story about the running of the Hayes farm.  Valerie and her father are working hard with few employees trying to sell enough fruit and vegetables to keep their farm afloat.  Valerie did the deliveries alone, and she seen a van in the alley where she parked to make one of her deliveries in town that she did not know.  She was trying to get back to the farm before the storm hit.  There were little cell coverage so if she had any trouble she was on her own with only her dog to protect her.  She had noticed that the strange van had followed her every turn from town.  Now the road she is on is not known for strange vehicles.  She goes a little faster and manages to stop behind a barn and watched the van pass.  And sure enough her old truck stopped on her In the rain not far from home.  She seen the van stop ahead and about that time a RV started down her road and stopped where the van was.  The van took off.  The stranger in the RV asked if he could give her a lift.  The storm got worse and he introduced himself as Derek a photographer from D.C.  He was wanting to take seasonal photos of Montana and got lost looking for the park he was going to stay at.  Unfortunately the old book he had been using to find his way didn’t tell him the park was abandoned years ago.

 

Mr. Hayes really liked Derek and invited him for supper.  Mr. Hayes suggested that he could park his RV on their property if he would help around the farm for the winter.  When things start happening to Valerie, Derek starts going with her on her deliveries.  Then things start happening around her home.  But when a secret kept for years comes out to Valerie, could that be what put her in the cross hairs?  There is no way that Mr. Hayes and Derek can protect her from someone when they don’t know who that someone will be. Friend or foe they didn’t know.  An exciting mystery that will keep you guessing till the end.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not finished all the stories yet, but the ones I have read are excellent. Below are short reviews of two of the ones I have read.

Hide and Seek by Nancy Farrier
Jayne lives in fear of her daughter’s father. Jayne escaped from him while she was pregnant, 18 years earlier. He now wants Jayne dead and wants his daughter. Dylan is ex-military, wounded in action. He meets Jayne through his sister while he is recuperating. When his nephew and Jayne’s daughter are kidnapped, Dylan works with Jayne try to rescue them.

This story has great characters, extreme suspense, and non-stop excitement. Christian elements include recognizing God’s sovereignty and love, that He is the giver of peace, even in bad situations.

Never a Hostage by Jan Thompson
Pilar is a PI, hired to spy on an ex-senator by his wife to gain information to support her desire for a better divorce settlement. However, Pilar finds herself in a hostage situation instead. Cade, also a PI and friend of Pilar, is also caught up as a hostage. But exactly who are the hostages, and who are the hostage takers?

The plot has lots of twists and turns with a lot of excitement and suspense. Christian content includes prayer, scripture, and trusting in the Lord. Complete plan of salvation explained.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse and loved this suspense, mystery and lesson of forgiveness. Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. Charity and Beth were best friends from little on, the two were similar yet had very different beliefs about faith. The two were always there for each other and often Charity pushed Beth's limits, but she always loved that about her. So when they were on one of their trips and Beth fell to her death, Charity carried that grief and blame that if she wouldn't have pushed Beth to make it to the top, this wouldn't have happened. Never being able to get over it, Charity has struggled to find a way to get past this most hurtful time in her life. She decides once again to make the climb, back to where her and Beth last shared a perfect memory. But little does she know is the truth of what really happened to Beth, that caused that tragic fall and someone is still waiting to get their revenge on Charity. Could she also end up like Charity on this climb? Loved this quick read suspense. Some mystery, some romance, love that we get the background on Beth and Charity growing up to understand their relationship and beliefs. Thank you to the author for a complementary ebook. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 2 of the 10 stories. The first was “Hidden Target” by Roxanne Russians
Kristen Blake was doing the running of her family’s rodeo company to help her dad retire to be with her mom who is suffering from dementia. Jake, a long time friend and first relationship who left her standing at the altar alone has bought their company and Kristen helps him manage the administrative end while a lot of unusual accidents, sickness to animal and damage to property has been ongoing this season. Someone is out to destroy their company and what a wild crazy ride to find the culprit. This story kept me glued til the end.

I received an early review copy, ARC, and am giving my honest, free and voluntary review.

The second review is “The Prom Night Hitchhiker”
This story that dealt with a myth from 1947 about a young girl, Lilly, being killed on prom night and still happening every prom night since that fatal night in 1947. 2 Private Investigators Presley and Jackson also romantically tied together have taken on this cold case. There were so many twists and unexpected turns that lead to a great unsuspecting finish. Great drama and mystery throughout.

I received an early free copy, ARC, and am giving my honest, free and voluntary review

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger in the Shadows is a collection of 10 all new Christian Suspense NOVELs filled with mystery, romance, and adventure. This reader is familiar with authors Roxanne Rustand, Jan Thompson, and Lesley Ann McDaniel.

The two novels I read are: Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse and Deadly Focus (in blurb Deadly Exposure) by Lesley Ann McDaniel.

Haunting of the High One combines the majesty and danger of climbing Mount Denali (Mt. McKinley in Alaska) with a faith journey, mystery, and romance. A fitting novel for 2025.

In the NOVEL Deadly Focus (Deadly Exposure) this reader, as a Michigander living in an agricultural community, I identified with Valerie's struggles to keep her family apple and pumpkin farm afloat. A page turning, gut churning, intense mystery with a delightful dog, relatable characters, and satisfying resolution.

Looking forward to reading more novels in the intriguing boxed set.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse

Engaging short suspense novel!

Best friends Charity and Beth are ticking off a bucket list item for their 30th birthday when Beth tragically goes over the side of Denali.

I love when novels fill in the details through glimpses into the past.

There's a strong faith element including one very stubborn character.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the collection. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was pleasantly surprised by this collection of suspense books. I have found many new authors to check out and continue to read their books. My favorite story was Haunting of the High One by Kimberly Woodhouse. Kimberly is one of my tired and true authors that o have on auto buy! You can’t to wrong with Denali and Alaskan adventures with suspense thrown in the mix. Be ready to loose yourself in this collection of stories!

[Donna Krecklow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional collection of mysteries from some of the best authors available. I especially loved the story by Vikki Kestell, "I Can't Hear You." Not only is it a spine tingling mystery, it highlights an often misunderstood disability. This one will keep you turning pages late into the night - and then sleep if you can! It is definitely edgy and will keep you guessing about what is coming next. Won't tell you more - read the book to find out!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of suspenseful stories. My favorite is "The Hidden Legacy" by author June Foster. Family secrets, shocking discoveries, faith, love, and hope are found in this heartfelt story. Horses, farmland, hidden gold, and much more, kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes a while to read all these books. I have read Hidden Target. An interesting suspense with an ending I didn't expect. Never a Hostage is different. A simple assignment to gather information that turns into a strange hostage situation. It's a complicated mystery that I couldn't solve.
I was given a copy of this anthology. This is my voluntary opinion.

[Susan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book with tons of suspense and romance, this book is for you. Very easy to put yourself in the middle of the story. Enjoyable read.

[Barbara Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read "Haunting of the High One" by Kimberley Woodhouse. Suspense in Alaska on Denali....of course it was a great read!💜📚💜📚

Can't wait to read through the other books.

[Heather Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!

I loved every book in this anthology! I loved the mystery/suspense, and met some new-to-me authors that didn't disappoint! You're going to love it!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The majority of these books were very good. Some were a part of a series. It was interesting reading new to me authors. There was only one that I felt lost in. Otherwise, it was a good time reading!

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of hours of reading

I bought this because of Kimberly Woodhouse book. But I met many new tome authors. I hope to read more of their suspense filled books.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 thrilling stories with great suspense. The stories are all hard to stop reading. Loving every second of the journey.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m frustrated that i can’t rate each book individually. Several were very good but i found two or three impossible to follow or too graphically violent.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Target by Roxanne Rustand
I really liked this story. It was fun reading what goes on behind the scenes at a rodeo. It looks like someone is trying to sabotage the BKR rodeo company. I was kept guessing as to who it was. I liked all the stories going on.

Haunting of the High One by Kimberley Woodhouse
This was a great story. I liked how the author used flashbacks to tell the background story.

Undercover Miami by Terry Toler
I loved the two mysteries in this story. One suspenseful and one lighthearted.

The Prom Night Hitchhiker by Cynthia Hickey
This was a great telling of a story based on an urban legend of a ghostly hitchhiker and the disappearance of a young man every prom night.

Hidden Legacy by June Foster
I really enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery. There were people digging holes on Austin’s ranch, and the new vet fainted the first time she saw him. One of the mysteries I sort of guessed, the rest I didn’t.

Never a Hostage by Jan Thompson
Not everyone is who they seem. There were lots of twists and turns. Very good story.

I Can’t Hear You by Vikki Vestell
Reading this story was a bit like working a jigsaw puzzle. A lot of pieces that slowly come together to form a cohesive story. I though this story was intense, at times disturbing, but very good.

Deadly Focus by Lesley Ann McDaniel
Valerie doesn’t know why anyone would target her. Derek rescues a damsel in distress and ends up staying at her farm. There were a lot of secrets. A great story.

Hide and Seek by Nancy J. Farrier
Jayne’s daughter and Dylan’s nephew are kidnapped. As Jayne and Dylan work to find them, long kept secrets come out. Twists and turns abound. This was a great story.

The Year of the Dog by Camy Tang
This was another story where seemingly unrelated events start coming together into a great story. There was a lot of mystery, danger, a lot of family dynamics, and a dog who hates men. There were a lot of tidbits of humor to lighten up the suspense. I thought it was a great story.





I received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors and was not required to write a positive review.