Island Countdown

WhiteRock Security #2

by Stacy Angell Curtis

Past failures still torment Allie Harkwood. But she’s determined to prove herself.

Three months ago, her massive misstep derailed her career as a private security agent—and got her shot.
Still healing physically and emotionally, she jumps at an unexpected offer to return to work. She’s resolved to save her career, but bears no hope for resurrecting her short romance with fellow agent Knox Coulter. Her mistakes are unforgivable, and she'll live with the consequences.

Knox’s life came to a screeching halt when Allie was shot. For three months, he’s kept his distance due to an ongoing FBI investigation about that fateful night, but she never left his mind—or his heart. When they’re assigned to the same mission on an idyllic island in the Caribbean, he hopes they can rekindle the spark between them, but a bold drug lord and an unpredictable bomb maker turn their surveillance mission into a deadly race against time.

The clock is ticking. Literally.
If they can't find the bomb maker in time, innocent lives—and their second chance at love—will meet a tragic end.

Island Countdown is a Christian Romantic Suspense full of white-knuckle danger, faith, love, and second chances.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Stacy Angell Curtis writes faith-filled stories with thrilling suspense, strong heroes, and swoony, no-spice romance. Her two Christian Romantic Suspense series (Texas Security Series and WhiteRock Security Series) feature characters who discover fierce love and unwavering hope amid white-knuckle suspense and heart-pounding danger.

Her stories aim to provide readers an uplifting escape and encouragement that God’s unwavering love shines bright in dark places.

Stacy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers.

She lives in College Station, Texas, with her husband, their two sons, and their not-so-ferocious dog, Radar.

Stacy loves to engage with readers. To connect and learn more about Stacy, her books, and to join her newsletter, please visit her website, StacyAngellCurtis.com.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salt air has a way of exposing what the soul keeps hidden. Island Countdown placed me on that shoreline with a tightened chest, listening to danger move beneath the surface while God’s sovereignty remained steady.

Allie Harkwood walks with a body restored and a memory still asking whether healing applies to more than flesh. Failure still speaks to her with a familiar voice, and shame presses hard to define what comes next. The story allows that ache to remain present. Stacy Angell Curtis honors the cost of stepping back into calling when confidence feels fragile and memory keeps circling the moment everything fractured.

Knox Coulter stands like a fixed point on shifting sand. His strength carries reverence, and his leadership flows from submission to God. One scene settles at the heart of the story: “She would never forget the warmth she felt all the way to her core when he held her hands and spoke to Jesus like it was the most natural thing in the world …he was good at fighting bad guys … he also knew when to stop and ask God for wisdom.” That posture shapes the soul of this novel. Protective hands. A praying mouth. A yielded heart.

The island itself bears witness. Waves keep their appointed rhythm: “…the God she trusted was effortlessly regulating the tides and waves across the earth.” That realization carries spiritual authority. God governs oceans with ease. God governs wounded hearts with the same faithful hand.

When lies repeat in Allie’s thoughts, Knox names the battle without hesitation: “Don’t listen to those lies. That’s the enemy. God put you here for a reason. He’s got you.” The story allows that truth to settle through obedience and endurance. Trusting the Lord becomes movement rather than mood.

Readers who hunger for romantic suspense where prayer carries real authority under pressure will be drawn to this story. It will resonate with those who understand that second chances are formed through repentance and obedience to God.

I received a digital ARC from the author via BookSirens. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island Countdown is a high-octane Christian romantic suspense that grabbed me from page one and never let go. Stacey Angell Curtis drops readers into a pulse-pounding race against time, pairing relentless danger with emotional depth as Allie and Knox navigate past mistakes, lingering wounds, and a second chance neither is sure they deserve. The idyllic island setting contrasts beautifully with the escalating threat, keeping the tension razor-sharp while faith, courage, and trust are tested at every turn. Thrilling, engaging, and impossible to put down, this story delivers white-knuckle suspense alongside heartfelt romance. Definitely one of those on-the-edge-of-your seat types and satisfying to return to a world that is gripping.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Island Countdown, Stacy Angell Curtis' second book in the WhiteRock Security Series, is a Christian Suspense Thriller. You do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this second book in the series. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Like the first book in the series, the story is set on Isadora Island at the Mandeville hotel. The main characters are; Allie Harkwood, a profiler who is recovering from a gunshot wound, Knox Coulter a security expert, and Jason Bridger team lead at WhiteRock Security. There are two storylines woven throughout the book. The first storyline is the case WhiteRock Security has been hired to solve, stopping an organized crime syndicate from taking over the Mandeville hotel and the entire island. The second storyline is the second chance romance between Allie and Knox and their overcoming the guilt and trauma of their last case together which resulted in Allie being shot. The author does a pretty good job creating backstory for each character and weaving in a bit of romance between Allie and Knox. The WhiteRock organized crime storyline was a bit slow in the beginning but picked up and became more interesting towards the end of the book. The second chance romance story overcame the slowness of the organized crime storyline. If you enjoy Suspense Thrillers with a lot of action and a little bit of romance then I recommend this book.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had lots of action. And romance. And such a chemistry between Allie and Knox. But the overall theme running through was Trust.

Allie is back after 3 months of recovery after a gunshot would in her leg. While also trying to prove herself and earn back respect from Knox.

Knox is trying to understand why Allie thinks she lost his respect. He just wants to make sure that she Trusts him.

They both come to realize that God is in control and Allie needs to learn to trust God and be able to trust Knox with her life and her heart. They both learn this while trying to keep their client safe and outsmart a bomber. There is a lot of action and some guns are drawn.

I really enjoyed the spiritual aspect of this book. Between Allie and Knox and Allie and God. Trust was a major factor in here and I think that it’s important for everyone to know that you can be trusted and that trust is earned and if you break someone’s trust you have to earn it back.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[H J Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed 'Island Countdown.' Curtis weaves a character driven crime story with a strong setting. Whilst there are mysteries and intrigues, it features a relaxed pace that got my heart beating faster over the food than the chases - it is a cozy Christian crime novel.
The Christian content is well played, though I did get a little 'trust in God and it will be smooth sailing' vibes towards the end. Aside from that one issue, there manages to be a Christian story arc that is not overwhelming or Biblically incorrect. It is just the right amount alongside the crime and character intrigues. It that aspect reminds me of Jorgia Yates.
The characters are all well behaved while still being fallible, which makes this the perfect novel for Christians who love crime novels without the badly behaving MCs. It is also not often that one finds Christian novels that have Godly content that is Biblically correct and not overdone. I highly recommend.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the WhiteRock Security series by Stacy Angell Curtis. It was well written, the imagery put me on the island with the main characters. There was ample amount of suspense in this story as Knox, Allie and their team race to solve the mystery of who was behind what was happening. There was a history between Knox and Allie and the author gave enough of it to understand their dynamic going into this book. Stacy weaved a great faith message into this story. This book is a clean read. There are no explicit language or scenes of any kind in this story. Stacy Angell Curtis is a new author for me but I would definitely recommend her books to others that enjoy Christian romantic suspense. I will be looking for more of her books!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rhondia Cannon]

Book 2 in the WhiteRock Security series picks up with Jason and Knox back on the island for another mission. Allie is back in the game as well as Rowan. The tension leaps off the page from the beginning and never lets up! Allie is struggling with forgiving herself and it’s undermining her confidence. But Knox is there to point her back to Christ as the source of truth and confidence. Knox is a perfect fit for Allie. He’s a steady influence in the midst of her internal chaos. His command of spiritual truth was a perfect answer to her deep need. Overall this is an entertaining inspirational romantic suspense tale that delivers a perfect happily ever after. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there was confusion at the beginning of this saga between Knox and Allie pertaining to an operation not really gone wrong in the first book, but of each blaming themselves.  This time they are given another opportunity on Isadora Island to protect the owner from a very hostile takeover of the Mandeville Hotel.
This is definitely a no-sissy's operation as Rowan was going to find out.  I enjoyed the undercover scouting around a certain warehouse in the vicinity of a vigilant shop owner.  This is an author to put on your list of clean romantic suspense books.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of suspense:
I enjoyed this second addition to the series. I would recommend reading this as part of the series and I wished that the author had of recapped a bit more. Although I had read the preceding book, I initially had difficulty placing everyone and recalling what had previously transpired. However once I was into it, I really enjoyed the suspense and intrigue. It was faced paced with plenty of action to keep the reader engaged. There was a sweet, second chance romance between Allie and Knox and I enjoyed seeing them find happiness together.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

I enjoyed book 2 in the White Rock Security romantic suspense series featuring Knox and Allie's second chance romance. This is an action packed ride reminiscent of a tv show. I was engaged from the first page and wanted to know how the team was going to thwart the enemy. I was pleased with the faith content and only kisses in the way of spice. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[sharon blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Island Countdown is a strong addition to the WhiteRock Security series, with engaging characters and a plot that kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the tropical setting and the steady tension woven throughout the story. The characters felt real and easy to connect with, and their interactions pulled me in from the start.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series best read in order. Characters overlap between books

Second chances

Racing against a ticking timer

Multiple unsubs

Family drama

Never underestimate the lucky cup and a pocket knife

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island Countdown by Stacy Angell Curtis is a well-written suspense romance based on Christian principles. The story takes place on a beautiful island where evil people try to take control of a resort through manipulation. A well-constructed story with a moral.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was well written and worth the effort to read. Recommend this book

[Paula Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that isn't normally my cup of tea but the plot was very well written. The author must have done a lot of research or is a secret agent to have given a very believable story of fighting the bad guys on a vacation island. Lots of suspense with a bit of romance added in.

I was glad that I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.