Fatal Reunion

by Jessica R. Patch

WRONGLY ACCUSED When her beloved grandmother is almost killed during a home invasion, Piper Kennedy isn't surprised that she's a suspect—especially since Luke Ransom is on the case. The handsome detective she once loved thinks she knows more than she's telling about the attack. And given her crooked past and the heartbreaking way she'd been forced to betray Luke years ago, Piper understands why he doesn't trust her. But when attempts are made on her life, Luke insists on keeping her safe and finding out who wants her dead. And Piper and Luke soon realize a remorseless criminal will do anything to keep them from the truth…or an unexpected second shot at a future.

Genres: Romance, Love Inspired, Suspense, Love Inspired Suspense, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Love Inspired Suspense is my favorite book line so I'm not insulting the line to say, this was an exceptional book in the line! The best of the best! I can't recommend this enough. The characterizations and humorous conversations were great. I love that the heroine was so kick butt! She waited for no man to rescue her but was very capable on her own and in fact, rescued others. Love strong women heroines! I also love the natural way FAITH was woven in. It's not as common to find it even in this line, so well done. There was a true moment or two that made me put in the book down to go wow. It really spoke to me. The action and mystery was great too. This is this author's first LIS as far as I can tell and I sincerely hope not the last! Eric needs his own story! Hint, hint!

[Jill Kemerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica R. Patch's debut Love Inspired Suspense grips you from the first sentence and doesn't let up until the very end. To say I loved this book would be an understatement!

Piper returns to Memphis when her beloved grandmother is roughed up. Piper knows her unsavory past is catching up to her--but she wasn't prepared for Luke Ransom to be back in her life, too. She relies on her martial arts skills to protect herself, but as the danger mounts, she realizes she needs help--from God and from Luke.

Jessica writes with a rare mixture of intensity, humor and romance. Fatal Reunion is a must-read book!


*I received an advanced reader copy with no obligation to review this book. All opinions are my own.*

[Gayle Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

I have read several of Jessica Patch's book before. Jessica has way of spinning a story that pulls you into the world of her characters in the book. Fatal Reunion is a romance suspense about Piper and Luke. This book has the best of both worlds. The romance is wonderful. Piper and Luke have a chemistry that makes you want to read more about them and you are cheering for them throughout the entire book. This book also offers suspense. Every chapter is a cliff hangar and you have to keep turning the pages for more. This is one of those books that you dont want to end because you just want to keep hanging out with Piper and Luke and all the wonderful characters. This book also has humor so be careful if you read in public as you may laugh out loud on occassion! You can preorder this book now for January release. You will want this book on your wish list!

[Susan Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an advance reader copy of this book from the author, and am I so glad I did! I love reading LIS because they often are good stories in small doses. They can tend to follow a set formula, so it's often hard for an author to insert their voice or keep the story fresh, but Jessica Patch manages to do just that. Her wit shines through in wonderful doses, creatively placed in moments that needed lightening. Her suspense is well crafted and the story keeps you guessing until the very end. And her two leads have an amazing chemistry. Patch has the ability to craft strong female leads who make smart choices and yet allow their leading man to partner with them in ways that keep the hero strong as well. It's a balance I love as a reader. I look forward to more books by this author!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart wasn't in to this book, I think because I didn't get to choose it, it was part of a book club, so I started it and then quickly got hooked! This is a new to me author and I do hope there is a second book to this. I loved her secondary character Eric just as much as the main characters, I would love to read more of his story. Reading a story as an outsider isn't really fair, as you watch the characters struggle especially with communication, you just want to say to them just tell him already, it would change everything! I loved the character development and couldn't believe all they endured! I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone that likes romantic suspense and a nice quick read on top of it!

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Reunion by Jessica R. Patch is a thrilling mystery laced with romance and has a beautiful inspirational message as well. First off, the mystery was what kept me turning the pages. She had some mean dudes in this book and I never once guessed who the real perpetrator was. I love a book that keeps me guessing until the very end. Next, the romance. Piper and Luke had a real love for each other ten years prior and still carried a torch. She, however had betrayed him and he had a trust problem. She wondered why he told her to run and leave. You'll just have to read it and find out the details. Lastly, the inspirational message is that no matter what we have done in the past God will forgive us. We just need to ask and turn from it. Once we are forgiven, it is forgotten and is as far as the east is from the west. However, we sometimes don't forgive ourselves and blame everything that is going wrong in our lives to our past mistakes. Read what Piper did and how she finally learned to trust God and forgive herself.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut author Jessica R. Patch is one to watch! With intricate twists and surprising turns, Patch weaves a compelling novel of healing and hope that left me guessing until the end and thoroughly engaged the whole way through. Luke and Piper are authentic, strong characters, and I loved how they dealt with their past mistakes while searching for hope for the future. The suspense left me breathless--especially during one particular scene in a car--and the romance is very sweet. Patch's humor, often via secondary character Eric Hale, adds an extra dash of fun to this quick read. I can't wait for the next one by this talented new author!

[Lindsay Harrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often a suspense novel surprises me at the end -- and this one did! I loved the constant action, the flawed but lovable characters (especially the hero, Luke), and the themes of forgiveness and strength. Not only did this book entertain, it made me think. FATAL REUNION is a fabulous first novel for Patch, and I can't wait to read more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my resolutions is to read more this year! I started with the brand new inspirational romantic suspense from Jessica R. Patch, Writer, Fatal Reunion, and couldn't. stop. reading. Lost love reunited thanks to a murderer on the loose + dojo-owning kick-booty heroine with a past + handsome detective hero + danger around every corner = one amazing debut that hits all the buttons! This has definitely set the bar high for my 2016 bookshelf!

[Sandra Orchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm impressed with debut author Jessica Patch's diversion skills. I like a little mystery in my romantic suspenses and Jessica has more than one twist I didn't see coming. Her ending definitely surprised me, which is always fun. Her heroine's unique occupation also made for some fun kick-butt jeopardy scenes.

[Jill Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So refreshing! Patch writes with a unique style. Fast, action-packed. Plenty of attraction and conflict to keep the romance growing. I finished this one fast! Snatch it up. You won't regret it! I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Abby Breuklander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories where you feel that it was written exactly for you! I will definitely be rereading this one!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good I’ll have to say! Lots of action, drama, grace and mercy.
Piper Kennedy has made many mistakes in her past that had hurt others as well as her past love. Now though in the present her grandma is seriously hurt along with a young man being killed in the home invasion but her heart has suspicions that her past is catching up with her. Especially, since she has come face to face with Luke Ransom who still can’t look at her without thinking the worst since he is heading up the investigation and knows her past. When Piper’s life is targeted Luke vows to protect her whether she likes it or not. Now both their lives are being threatened and they need to figure out who the enemy is before it’s to late.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Jessica Patch, so it can't go wrong. I LOVED Luke and Piper's story. I was a little nervous that there wasn't going to be a HEA, but should have known I was wrong. Can really feel the emotion and love in all her characters. I had to get this book through a thrift store online, because it's out of print, but I am SO THANKFUL that I was able to. I would have missed out on a wonderful love, forgiveness, action packed story.
A good twist, like in her other books. You think you have the culprit down and it turns out to be someone else.
Love the bible verses and how the author is able to apply them to each character.

[Another_Book_to_Ponder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this book was great except listening to it was horrible! Worst mistake I’ve made. I will never do that again with any book. If it’s read by an Apple Voice I will stay far, far away. Pronunciation of words was way off and distracted me from enjoying the book. The voice inflection was off… it was honestly an utter failure and an offense to the author to have her book treated this way.

More about the book… characters were good. I love books with strong female characters. Piper is all of that. Luke embraces Pipers strength. She teaches him some defense moves… Faith & Forgiveness are a huge part of this story..

[Elle Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novel was one of the best I've read this year. It was well-written and well-edited.

The misunderstanding between the hero and heroine made sense and wasn't easily resolvable. Emotions felt real and God's love and mercy was woven throughout.

There were three twists. I saw two coming from a mile away, the last one caught me completely unaware. That's unusual. I'm a suspense writer. I usually guess the twists long before I reach them. Not so in this case. I love it when I get to be surprised.

Highly recommend.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best characters of the 3 books I have read by this author — therefore best book yet.
The plot didn’t interest me much so I skip read that.
By the time the real bad guy revealed @ end .. i frankly didn’t care. And his motives didn’t hold up. Why not take the loot and run versus killing more people and drawing more attention to yourself so that you get caught ?
3.5 stars
Eric was good secondary character in this one. But the heroine, Piper, was the one I liked the best. She had serious fighting skills.
(Eric is Luke’s police partner.)

[Jeffrey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Jessica Patch novel I've read - I'm definitely a fan! I absolutely love her characters, espceially Eric. The story is quick paced and keeps you guessing who the bad guy is. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Kati Driban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the House of Mirrors

This book has more misdirects than a house of mirrors and more twists and turns than a labyrinth. Still the powerful message of forgiveness and healing is front and center. Another amazing and enjoyable book by this author.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica R. Patch is one of my favorite suspense authors. In all her books there is a romantic relationship, but the suspense and mystery are more predominant, which is the way I like it. I enjoy her books because they are fun to read, clean, no bad language, no explicit sex and not overly violent.

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Fast moving,with lots of action,mystery and suspense.A really really good story .This is one of those go to reads,with plenty of thrills.

[Karen Pawelko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read that had my attention right from the start to the end. Will be looking for more of this authors books.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* PLEASE THE ENDING WAS SO CUTE

a good bit of the book was kinda boring to me but it was cute and it had a good moral of the story

[Seajay CORLEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Kennedy and Luke ransom are after someone who is trying to kill them. Yet, a past relationship, years before, has created a skepticism that gets in their way when it comes to trusting each other.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy finding new authors. When I saw other authors I follow talking about this book on Facebook, I checked out the synopsis and it sounded good, so I bought it. I loved it! Jessica Patch has written a very tight suspenseful Christian fiction novel. It grabbed my attention from the very start and never let go!

Piper Kennedy's beloved grandmother has been attacked and is in the hospital. Piper isn't surprised that she's a suspect, given her past . But it's been ten years since Piper's old life has been left behind. Luke Ransom is on the case, another thing that was left behind ten years ago. Luke is not happy with Piper, considering she betrayed him years ago when she was living such a crooked lifestyle.

But now attempts are being made on Piper's life and Luke insists on keeping her safe. Piper thinks she can keep herself safe and doesn't want Luke butting into her business, especially since he feels she's guilty of everything.

Jessica Patch has created a cast of characters that are so real, they nearly jump off the page. I especially loved Piper, Luke and Eric, Luke's partner in the police department. The action is absolutely non-stop, and there is a dry wit that I absolutely loved.

I did not guess the culprit, either, until it was revealed in the book. Wow. I loved this tale. I am especially looking forward to the next in the series. I liked it so well, I immediately bought Jessica's 4 other books for my Kindle. It's great to find a new author and have one book to read right after the other!

The spiritual element is amazing, too. The author is not afraid to show Christ. I appreciate that in a good Christian suspense novel.

[Trixi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Kennedy finds herself back in Memphis after her grandma “Mama Jean” ends up in the ICU unit after a break-in at her home. It seems her past is catching up with her, even though she left that lifestyle years ago. Luke Ransom is working the case & discovers Piper at the scene accusing her of the crime.
These two have a past history that must be overcome in order to solve the crime. She’s too hard-headed and independent & he’s too stubborn to admit he still has feelings for her and wants to protect her from harm. Can they find a happy middle ground to bring the criminals to justice and at what cost?
This was one thrill ride after another! Just as I was able to take a breath, I was plunged right back in a pulse pounding scene. I even found myself looking around me as if the criminals were after me! I was clueless as to who-dun-it, Jessica keep me guess right up to the end. Even then, it was such a surprise & shock! Luke & Piper seemed real, imperfect like us with struggles, but I also seen a reliance on God in Luke’s life. I loved the threads of faith woven throughout the story. The romance was just the right pace for me, they both have to work out past issues to be able to move on. A fantastic LIS debut for Jessica! This is a definite read for fans of LIS, plenty of action, characters you can identify with & suspense that will keep you guessing!

*I received a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review which I have given here. Well done, Jessica, keep them coming!*

[Amy Broome · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It brings to mind the teenage Silhouette romances that I used to devour as a kid. It was passable reading material, but I found myself wanting more effort on the part of the author. It felt like the book was written free form, with not a lot of attention to character development. The back story seemed to be made up during the writing rather than diagrammed beforehand. It lacked craftiness in the selection of bits and pieces of the past to reveal. I had high hopes at the beginning ... an inspired novel that wasn't throwing God in there just for the sake of being inspired. At about the halfway mark, it was as if the author received a call from her publisher/editor and was told to increase the prayer factor. From there, it just took a very odd turn in writing style. (Thank you, Lord, for making me remember how to construct a sentence. I perhaps must have run afoul of God's grace in my grammar class. That last alliterative bit does mean he still feels love for me. Sorry, back to the review.) We're praying when being chased. We're praying in between bullets. We're praying while exiting bathroom windows. We're praying while climbing a tree. Reflection and thanks afterwards makes sense - not every time a character coughs.

[Jess Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, Suspenseful, heart wrenching

Piper and Luke absolutely amazed me. I literally finished this book in one setting. I LOVED it. It made me want to search all of Jessica's books and read them immediately. I got lucky and had 3 on hand.

You will not be sorry if you like Christian Romance and Suspense. This book is right up your alley!

All though these books are stand alone by Jessica I do recommend you still read them in order!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

FATAL REUNION is a different sort of romantic suspense than the others I read this month. Piper has only come home because her relative needs her, but immediately she finds herself suspect in a murder and of course the investigating officer is none other than the guy who once loved her, but she refused him in favor of a criminal. Set in Memphis, it is a setting familiar to me, and she used a lot of local flavor/color in the story. I could see it really happening. I did have a few problems keeping up with who is who and one phrase in the book total confused me -- Eric broke eye contact and cheesed. "I'm a Jedi." What?? What is cheesed? I get a that Jedi is a reference to Star Wars. I looked up "cheesed" and none of the online definitions make sense in the sentence. But the heroine was definitely feisty, in your face and not about to be run out of town by anyone. That was kind of a nice change. I didn't like her, at all, but it was a break from the LIS formula and that was nice. 3.5 stars.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Reunion is Jessica Patch's debut novel for Love Inspired Suspense and I promise you it doesn't disappoint. You will be hooked from page one!!! There are so many great aspects to this book that I don't even know where to start. I appreciated a strong heroine, humorous dialogue, just the right amount of romance, and a storyline that kept me guessing. It was impressive that the story was full of action as well as realistic well-developed characters. Readers get to walk alongside Piper and Luke, the main characters, as they deal with issues of forgiving others as well as themselves, rebuilding trust, and redemption. If you are looking for a romantic suspense novel that forces the reader to constantly question who can be trusted, what secrets are going to be revealed, etc. then Fatal Reunion is the book for you!

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.