Desperate Escape

by Lisa Harris

DOCTOR IN PERIL 

When Dr. Maddie Gilbert is kidnapped by rebel forces in West Africa, special ops agent Grant Reese races to rescue her. But the ruthless drug traffickers holding Maddie hostage have powerful connections -- maybe even inside the US government. And they'll go to any lengths to silence her -- permanently. Grant knows that getting Maddie free and safe is just the first step of this mission. Because he's fallen for the spirited beauty, and as her enemies pursue them, Grant must face a second battle -- the one to win her heart.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Romance

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.

She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The danger doesn't let up for one moment in this fast-paced escape tale. Maddie has accidentally gotten herself mixed up in international drug runners' secrets by treating a dying journalist who gave her a flash drive of proof after being murdered by the drug runners. It's up to Grant Reese, former special ops, now a deminer (land mine disabler), to get her out of the pickle and home to her family in time for Christmas.

An excellent story and a good way to spend a quiet afternoon!

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense? Yes indeed! The book is suspenseful almost from the first sentence. It seems every way the hero and heroine turn, there’s another obstacle. Can you imagine being held captive in the jungle of a West African island by drug traffickers? What about having your deceased brother’s best friend show up to rescue you and getting captured again? Imagine escaping a second time only to have a flat tire on your vehicle while being chased by the bad guys. And then, after replacing the flat, have a face-off with a six-foot-long black mamba before you can get back in the car. I could go on but I don’t want to ruin the story for others. This is one of those books that I simply had to mark the next chapter before turning the page so I could put it down to go to bed. The suspense kept me turning pages but the faith shared by the lead characters was compelling. They didn’t spend so much time talking about it as they did living it. The romance in the story was just the right amount to keep my attention but not to overwhelm me with a lot of mushy stuff. I recommend the book to anyone who wants a quick suspenseful read with a good dose of faith and some romance to top it off. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Dawn Nicol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Fugitive, because it seemed to run from one serious situation to another which kept me "at the edge of my seat" as they say. I really enjoyed the action, suspense and intrigue as well as the message of forgiveness and faith in this story. I do wish it would have had a little more "background" before the action so that I would have felt more vested in the two main characters, Dr. Maddie and Grant. Otherwise, it was another terrific story by Lisa Harris, although not as good as her Southern Crime novels. If you enjoyed this book, I encourage you to read her other books. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read that Lisa Harris has written. I kind of was expecting mystery but received a lot of adventurous suspense. It was as fun as watching an Indiana Jones movie. She enlist many bits and pieces from personal knowledge of this problem in Africa. I think that is part of the acceptance of the twists become so believable. The main character is intelligent and has an extremely nice relationship through the book with her brothers best friend. It's a fun, fast read that I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend. Looking forward to reading other books she's written.

[Julie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything from Lisa Harris, and I enjoyed it very much. It's a love story wrapped in a tempestuous scenario, that still seems very plausible. I liked the character development for this short read, as well as the writer's style. If you're looking for a quick read that will give you a taste of life outside of America, then snatch this one up and see how grateful you feel for living in the USA!

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly lost time as I escaped into this book! Action packed from the first page.. Dr. Madison Grant was kidnapped by Rebels and Special Ops. Grant Reese was going in to bring her home and into West Africa we go on a rescue mission. Courage, suspense, running for their lives and just the right amount of romance!
I found this an exciting, clean read with a thread of faith that I wanted to read in one setting!

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.It's an exciting journey from an island off West Africa to the mainland.
Your heart pounds as the characters overcome vast obstacles to reach safety.
Entwined in the book is a romance that develops and also we see God's love and forgiveness.
This was a very good read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves romantic suspense.
This book was given in exchange for an honest review

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had really good suspense and great romance. I loved Dr. Mad die Gilbert who is kidnapped and Grant Reese who races to rescue her. They were friends growing up and when Grant hears from her parents that she had been kidnapped he drops everything to rescue her. There are a little t of twists and turns and it is a great read. I received this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion..

[Harlequin Books]

"Fear and guilt can have a strong grip on us and cause us to push people, including God, away. Harris creates strong characters, though they are still not immune to this. They remind the reader that forgiveness is always a choice" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

[Linda Straub · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out full of suspense, however, by mid-point the suspense slowly decline. How the beginning started I was thinking this is going to be an outstanding book, but to me it was just okay.

[Ginger Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, fast-paced...in a word, exceptional. I love romantic suspense and Lisa Harris does a great job keeping me intrigued while making me fall in love with Maddie and Grant as they fall in love with each other.

I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked right from the start. Lisa Harris did a great job grabbing the reader's attention right from the beginning. If you're looking for something suspenseful and page turning, then this is the book for you!

I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Harris does it again! Set in Africa Desperate Escape more than lives up to its title in danger and adventure. Definitely a MUST read in Love Inspired Suspense!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very easy read. It emphasizes how freeing it is to forgive yourself, so you can open up your life to truly live the life God intended you to live.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Dr. Maddie Gilbert is kidnapped by rebel forces. The camp the rebels have control over has an outbreak of some kind of virus. Maddie doesn’t have everything she needs to treat the patients, but she is doing the best she can with what she has. She knows when the patients are healed, she will no longer be needed, and they will dispose of her. She wants to escape, but how?

Grant served with Maddie’s brother in a combat zone. Grant was there with her brother the day he died, and made a promise. He promised he would look after Maddie.
When he found out she had been kidnapped, he didn’t hesitate to fly in and rescue her. Now I say rescue, but it wasn’t easy. The two faced one obstacle after another.

The suspense is good. The rebels have deep connections. However, there is also another player who wants to take out Maddie. This player is high up in the US. Government.
Reading, you start to wonder if they will make it out alive. What could go wrong, most of the time, did. I would recommend this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fight For Your Love

Could they put all their troubles behind them, his job, her job, the death of her brother, his best friend? Even if they can move forward will they make it out of the jungle in one piece? Read this adventure and see if they will fight for their live.

[Minnie Walk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust in God

This book has helped me to realize that I need to trust God that everything will work out. “Fearless faith” is what the characters said at the end is necessary for you to live your best life.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book's storyline. Some parts of this story was sad 😞. I liked the Christian theme in this story. I liked Maddie's character. I liked Grant's character. I liked the ending.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story

[Anna McFadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dr. Maddie Gilbert is kidnapped by in West Africa Grant they sent her brothers best friend and special Forces GrantcReese to rescue her. But the ruthless drug dealers have other things in mind.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say that Lisa Harris always delivers books with non-stop action and plenty of sparks between the main characters. In her latest novel from Love Inspired Suspense, Desperate Escape, she has both in abundance. The book also reflects her passion and love for Africa and its people. So if you are looking for a quick, suspenseful read with a swoon-worthy hero and a heroine who can hold her own, then check out this recommended book.

Dr. Maddie Gilbert didn’t want a run-of-the-mill medical practice in the United States. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of those affected by poverty and disease. But she gets more than she bargains for when she is kidnapped and forced to care for drug traffickers. Grant Reese is a deminer who is no stranger to danger. When he learns his best friend’s sister is in trouble, then he is determined to save her.

Both of the main characters in Desperate Escape are strong, stubborn and not afraid to meet challenges. Neither wants to play it safe, yet are not sure they can commit to relationships when danger lurks just around the corner. They face a number of challenges — escape from a drug trafficking ring, a sinking ferry boat and corrupt government officials, both US and foreign. Yes, this book is action-packed. It is also a great look at a West African nation many in the US know little about. I could easily picture the remote beauty of the islands of Guinea-Bissau, as well as the dire living conditions in which the people find themselves. Cholera and malaria are everyday diseases there. Harris knows Africa (she and her family serve as missionaries in southern Africa), and her love for the people is apparent. The realism of this exotic locale adds depth to the book.

Desperate Escape was definitely not a Christmas book, but its time frame of the weeks leading to Christmas added to my after-Christmas reading experience. This one is a perfect choice for those looking for suspense, romance and a quick read.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Jaquelyn Scroggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by Lisa Harris, and really enjoyed every one of them. I know when I am picking up one of her books I am in for a good story. Desperate Escape is full of unexpected twists and turns. It kept my interest the whole time, and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. The story follows Grant on a mission to rescue Maddie and get her home to her family. It seems that no matter where they go, someone is chasing them. And the ones that are after them will do anything to keep them quiet. Not knowing who could be their enemy adds stress to an already stressful situation. Can Grant and Maddie escape those who are pursing them? And if so, is there even a future for them? Or were their lives just meant to intersect for a short time?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense. I had so much fun reading this book. Harris is great at keeping you interested and guessing. I really enjoyed that I couldn’t predict where the story was headed, or any of the complications along the way. If you enjoy this book half as much as I did it’s totally worth the price. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Desperate Escape" by Lisa Harris is escapist fiction at its best. You can't go wrong with any book by Ms. Harris and this one is no exception. Starting off with a bang and continuing through one mishap and adventure to another, this book is non-stop action. Throughout the story, we are treated to the blossoming romance between two unlikely soulmates - a bomb defuser and a doctor sacrificing her time and talents to help those in the republic of Guinea-Bissau. Both are familiar with danger and a day-to-day existence and even though their mutual attraction stems from a young age, they still have trouble figuring out if a permanent relationship will work.

One of the things I love about Lisa Harris's writing is her strong and vibrant faith and the way she seamlessly weaves the main characters (and minor characters, as well) relationships with God into the story. She is one of my favorite inspirational and Christian authors and her talent and story-telling are absolutely stellar. I would highly recommend this book, as well as any others she has written.

**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this inspirational romantic suspense by Lisa Harris!
Dr. Maddie Gilbert's family asks family friend Grant Reese to find her in West Africa when their plead for help falls on deaf ears after she is kidnapped by ruthless drug traffickers.
Grant goes in knowing that they might not make it out alive, but he can't refuse this family's plead or Maddie herself. Getting out safely is an uphill battle the whole way, but they soon realize that their feelings are a driving force also. Can they make it work knowing that their lives are full of travel and danger? Can they trust in each other and in God going forward with their relationship?

I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Judy Pflueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie Gilbert decided it would be better to be a doctor in West Africa helping poor people than working in private practice. She was abducted and held captive in remote village thinking it was for her skills as a doctor. Before she was abducted she was given a flash drive by a journalist that had been shot and whom she was treating. Grant Reese had given his word to Maddie's brother before he dies to look out for Maddie. Grant and his friend Antonio join forces to rescue her. He soon realizes Maddie was not kidnapped just for her skills. The drug traffickers that had taken her felt sure she had information about their far reaching operation. Grant had to keep everyone one step ahead of the bad guys. This story keeps you turning the pages and at points, holding your breath

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest it was pounding so hard while I read the first chapter. The exotic locale made this read all the edgier. Thrilled that Love Inspired Suspense is branching out from the traditional North American settings. Grant and Maddie have a shared history from their youth and that familiarity anchors their developing romance but they have to fight ruthless drug traffickers and spectres from their past before they can emerge triumphant. As Maddie says, "Sometimes you have to fight for a happy ending." Desperate Escape held me enthralled to the very last page.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie Gilbert walks away from her family and her fiancé to travel to a third world country to help others with her medical experience. She then finds herself abducted and being forced to treat the very people who killed her associate and took her against her will.
Grant Reese has set out to rescue Maddie in hopes of getting over his guilt in the death of her brother Darren. Grant and her brother had joined the Marines as "deminers" only her brother had not made and he had.
Will Maddie and Grant make out of Africa alive or will their unknown abductor end all their hope?

[John Hanscom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe even a little more, though the ending fizzled a little. Two strong protagonists, and the action began immediately and ket on going.

[Harlequin Books]

received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews