Intensive Care Crisis

Marine Heroes #2

by Karen Kirst

She uncovered a secret someone will kill for...

But he's determined she'll surviveReporting missing narcotics lands nurse Audrey Harris and her patients in the crosshairs of a ruthless thief. But when marine sergeant Julian Tan is one of the patients in danger, the criminals unwittingly provide her with a strong--and handsome--protector. On the run, Julian and Audrey must stop a crime boss...or become the next to fall.

Genres: Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired, Romance

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 6, 2019

About the author

Karen Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off -- love that cover. It's a bit different from the usual LI cover art and the colours and soft focused image really grabbed my attention. Plus, this is Karen Kirst so, of course, I had to read it! And the story inside definitely delivers what the cover promises.

The hospital setting ups the tension -- kind of like ER with a suspense plot (remember that TV show?) Audrey's life is plunged into chaos when she did the right thing. The responsible thing. And it nearly gets Julian killed in the process. And then -- phew -- danger lurks around every corner when the crime she reported turns out to be just the tip of a particularly daunting iceberg.

Lots of breathless action scenes are tempered with intimate relationship building ones and I really love the balance between the two. It's all hurry up and fight for your life' and then, wait, let's pause for a moment so we can appreciate how totally amazing this Marine hero is and how spunky this heroine is and how they clash and sizzle and light things up whenever they're together.

The lethal combination of deadly betrayal, reluctant romance and mega plot twists compel me to issue a seat belt warning alert. You'll need one...and chocolate, because when do we ever not need chocolate?...before immersing yourself in this gripping romantic suspense.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new to me author. Very good suspense, likeable characters and a good plot. Recommended.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story, very suspenseful. Audrey and Julian are great characters.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 4 out of 5]

When hospital nurse Audrey Harris discovers missing narcotics and medical supplies her life is put in jeopardy. Audrey is strong, tenacious, kind, caring, trusting and always looks for the good in people. She is also dealing with the loss of a loved one.
When Marine sergeant Julian Tan’s life almost ends in death under Audrey’s watch due to an unknown perpetrator the two are thrust together to uncover the truth and try to survive multiple harrowing experiences and attempts on both their lives.
Julian is also dealing with the traumatic deaths of his fellow Marines during a mission.
This couple sees their faith grow as they trust God even in the most dire circumstances.
The action was non stop, adrenaline rushing and heart palpitating.
This book was definitely a wild page turning suspenseful adventure.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend (MH) sent me this title in a box of books. It manages to combine the Marines with a hospital (ER/ICU). Nurse Audrey Harris is the daughter of a Marine. She reports narcotics missing from the hospital where she works. Julian Tan is a Marine who works under Audrey's father. Soon the two are working together to both stay alive and unravel the mystery.

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book keep me wondering what was going to happen next and how would they get out of it alive. The characters are great and I had to keep cheering for them. I was very surprise at who some of the villains were

[quiltingbeautyandbooks ~ Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was true to the description, suspenseful romances of dangers and faith.

[Jordynn Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of these books but this is one of the best I have read. Such a fast paced book that I looked forward to times in my day when I could pick it up and read.

[Juliewheatcox.Net · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I couldn’t believe the author put the main characters right back into a deadly situation they’d already been in.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot: Handsome Marine--who is married to his job--lives in the same apartment complex as the attractive daughter of his superior, a very protective father, which is a compelling reason all on its own to avoid interactions with her. But what's a man to do when the attractive woman first saves his life and then finds herself in situations of escalating criminality and violence through no fault of hers? Interactions will occur! (Spoiler. They do. Totally and repeatedly. He's not even sorry for them by the end.)

Despite providing plenty of the promised "suspense," the author also throws in enough lighter interactions to allow the reader to draw breath and relax...for short moments. I found this book very intense. In fact, I finished it the day after I received it. (I won an advance review copy in a lottery by the author.)

The characters are sufficiently realistic, especially the heroine, who is a darling but makes some decisions I found foolish. It would be hard to write an interesting story with only perfect characters, though, wouldn't it? And the hero is larger than life when it comes to his bad-guy-fighting skills, but he still gets beaten by them sometimes.

A recurring theme in the book is that when trials happen to us, we need to keep going and keep fighting so long as there's a chance to survive them and turn them to good. Patience, endurance, skill, intelligence, humility, the help of family and friends and kind strangers, and the grace of God can work together to allow us to come through trials with gratitude for what we learned and accomplished.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Intensive Care Crisis. This is the second book about the US Marine Corps Heroes. It is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it. I always have enjoyed Karen's books but she hasn't done suspense books for LIS until recently. I'm so gland she has. She does a great intrigue.

Registered Nurse Audrey Harris found something wrong with the narcotics in the hospital. She goes to co-workers and then finally reports the missing drugs. As soon as she makes her report strange things start happening to her patients. Someone is trying to discredit her and her work. When someone tries to kill one of her patients, a marine, he makes a serious mistake because now she has a protector.

Marine Sergeant Julian Tan was injured in a training accident. After having a reaction to his stitches he comes to the hospital for a simple procedure only to have someone try to take his life. When his nurse saves his life he is drawn to her. He had met her before, she's his boss' daughter and therefore out of his reach. He is trying to find out what happened to him, he knows he has no enemies here. What is she not telling him? He goes to the hospital for a post-op check up when she passed by. He follows her to ask questions again but interrupts an attack on her. Can he keep her safe until they find out who is after her?

A terrifying journey to escape the hands of a thief and a killer. God has a plan for these two; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan and not for evil.

[Kati Driban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strap in for a Wild Ride!

I have recently received some great advice to help when reviewing books for authors. Unfortunately, one idea was to limit your review to the first three chapters of the book so as not to give any spoilers away. That doesn’t do justice to Intensive Care Crisis though. The first three chapters are action-packed, fast-paced, keep you on the edge of your seat good, but they are only the appetizer! This book has a hearty main course of intrigue combined with surprises as well as superb accuracy in the medical lingo and scenarios. For dessert, sweetness combines with sass to create likable characters that have relatable quirks and opinions that keep you guessing until the end how they will ever get through the final chapter alive. If you are looking for a wonderful romantic suspense, this is a must read! I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received this book from the publisher for review and all thoughts and comments are my own.

[Linda R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian Tan, a special operations Marine and the lone survivor of a helicopter crash during a training exercise, is in the hospital after a second surgery. Audrey Harris, the daughter of his unit leader and Julian's neighbor, is his recovery room nurse.

After someone tries to kill Julian, he learns that other patients of Audrey's have also been harmed after she reported missing supplies and medications. When the attacker comes after Audrey, Julian is determined to protect her, especially since he was unable to save his team.

Intensive Care Crisis is the second book in Karen Kirst's romantic suspense series of Marine heroes stationed in North Carolina. I enjoyed the romance part of this story as well as the inclusion of characters from Explosive Reunion; however, the suspense portion was a bit too "creepy" for me. I will continue reading though as Ms. Kirst is a favorite author of mine.

I purchased a paperback copy of this book.

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a neat book to read. It gives you a view into the hospital and the surgical area. It introduces you to Audrey Harris quickly and then Julian Tan. You get to see the strength of Audrey's character throughout the story. Its fun to watch her grow in this story personally in small ways. I really enjoyed Julian. He has many layers. In his layers is his heritage it has made him who he is. As the 2 work together to solve the problem at the hospital they find things wrong that will surprise you. For the people involved are someone you least of all expect. The drug issue is a interesting problem that covers another major issue. You will enjoy the fast pace of the story and the intrigue. There is alot of hang on to your seat moments in this book.Watching Audrey & Julian fall for each other is special. Its a joy to read. J

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good I’ll have to say! Audrey Harris a nurse saves marine sergeant Julian Tan just as he is recovering from wrist surgery and it seems from then on they are under constant attacks from a crime boss who doesn’t like her noticing supplies missing in the hospital. Now Julian Tan and Audrey decide to go on the run after a very scary encounter with the bad guys and discovering that some of the cops are crooked. As they try and survive they grow closer and start imagining a life together now all they have to do is live.

[Cyndi Grilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no being bored with this book, every page has you wondering what’s going to happen, the characters are so sweet, I just loved them. The author was good at conveying how heavy the trials were,and the faith shining through

[Brittany Mink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful and Exhilarating

I loved the book. Each new plot twist and high-stakes scene kept me riveted. Each chapter brought a new surprise.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt there could have been more depth to the past stories of the losses the main characters faced. but pretty good twists.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightfully balanced romantic suspense novel with interesting characters and a very nice twisty plot.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intensive Care Crisis is a highly suspenseful book that keeps you guessing right up to the end. I loved it and was literally on the seat of my pants right up to the end. Loved it!