Mountain Hostage

K-9 Mountain Guardians #2

by Hope White

They’re tracking a kidnapper. But will they be the next targets?

After an ambush during a mountain hike, Zoe Pratt ends up shoved off the mountain and her friend kidnapped. Enigmatic search and rescue volunteer Jack Monroe tracks Zoe with the help of his K-9 partner, Romeo, but as the only witness to the attack, she’s far from safe. With Jack’s help, can she find her friend and take down her would-be killer?

Experience more action-packed mystery and suspense in the rest of the K-9 Mountain Guardians series:

Trained to Defend by Christy Barritt

Mountain Hostage by Hope White

Fugitive Trail by Elizabeth Goddard

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

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

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2020

About the author

Accused of being an eternal optimist, I was born and raised in the Midwest and migrated to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago. I began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when I was in grade school, and wrote my first book when I was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!

My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.

When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story that starts with a kidnapping and a mountain rescue. The story has a good mix of action, romance, and suspense while heroine Zoe and hero Jack search for the kidnap victim (Zoe's friend) and kidnapper along with Jack's adorable search-and-rescue dog named Romeo. Likable characters and an interesting storyline make for an entertaining read.

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Christian Romantic Suspense
Zoe goes to visit her bff at a mountain resort to reconnect and recover from recent break ups. While on a hike they are attacked and Zoe is thrown off a cliff. Rescue crews are sent out and when Romeo a search dog show his signal Jack his handler find a scared and battered Zoe. Her friend is still missing, the search goes on Jack stays close and they grow closer. Zoe is a strong woman with a strong faith, she never loses her faith even when evidence tries to sway her.
This was a slow romance and and bit awkward at times. Jack was a difficult character, distant, a loner computer genius who doesn’t always fit in with people. Romeo his dog is the star, saving everyone, cuddling at all the right times and just adorable.
Christian readers will enjoy this light suspense and romance.
I received a copy of this for an honest review from the publisher

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 that i rounded up as this author has a good book record with me.
More intelligent than the average offering from this series, imho.
Jack & Zoe have some depth ! .. not easy to do in 217 pages.
No disclaimer as I paid real money to buy book !

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Pratt is visiting her friend, Shannon, in the Cascade Mountains, she is attacked and pushed off a mountain, while her friend is taken. She is found by Search and Rescue Volunteer Jack Monroe and his K-9, Romeo.



Can they rescue Shannon and clear her name before it's too late?



Jack is an intelligent, hardworking man, and owner of a security business who struggles with social awkwardness. He is quick on his feet, and always thinking a few steps ahead. I also loved his dog, Romeo, who is alert and ready for duty when needed, but also sensitive.



Zoe is outgoing and a firm believer, she knows that her friend is innocent of the accusations leveled against her. She trusts in God, and takes the time to get to know Jack beyond his awkward first impressions. I she quickly bonds with Jack and Romeo, as they work to keep her safe and find her missing friend.



Overall, a satisfying read with great characters, and relationship building, filled with action and adventure, with strong themes of faith and friendship.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

La lettura è stata scorrevole e piacevole, ma c'è qualcosa che non mi ha convinta del tutto, sebbene non riesca a capire cosa...

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mountain Hostage" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. Jack and his search and rescue dog are called in when there's a report of a woman falling off the trail during a mountain hike. Zoe explains to her rescuers that her best friend was kidnapped and Zoe was pushed over a cliff when she tried to help her friend. The authorities claim that her friend is selling drugs to children, but Zoe knows that her devout Christian friend would never do such a thing. She's determined to prove her friend innocent while Jack searches for her friend. But when a mountain storm rolls in, the search is called off, Zoe becomes a target, and Jack vows to protect her.

The main characters were likable and got along well. Jack had trouble socializing appropriately with people, but Zoe worked with intelligent, socially-challenged teens and so was able to become friends with him. Jack didn't spend much "screen time" on search and rescue, and his dog mostly was there to give Zoe someone to pet. The suspense came from the uncertainty about her friend and because people kept attacking Zoe. As Zoe came to trust Jack, they started to care about each other romantically. Zoe prayed on several occasions. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved a good search and rescue story, and this one didn’t disappoint. Overall it was super fast-paced, and I finished it easily in just over an hour. Having Zoe’s friend Shannon lost on the mountain was a great impetus to the story, because we know Shannon could very easily end up dead. It’s obvious pretty soon that the people after Shannon are not about to stop now that Zoe’s a potential witness and would even make a good hostage. There’s even evidence that the local police could be in on the drug deals that are being blamed on Shannon, and they seem more than happy to blame all the crime on the missing woman.

But Zoe doesn’t give up easily. I loved how she was ready to defend her friend in spite of all the gossip and circumstantial evidence stacked against her.

There was only one major “stupid” moment that was so transparent I was surprised Zoe went for it at all, but obviously the author needed her to be in peril for a certain action sequence. I simply though it could have been better sold to both the character and the reader.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a new to me author. The book offers good suspense, hits the ground running and the situation only accelerated till the surprising ending. Recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher, Love Inspired, for a complimentary copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually do quotes but there was one that stuck out at me and it's coming from Heather Jack's assistant. I love how she put him in his place.
Here she tells him that "Nothing is more important than love boss.". "Even a man as brilliant as you must know that."
Smart lady. I wish she could have been in the story more.
How true this is! God's Love is the most important thing to ever happen to a person once they discover His love.
Man, I can't tell you how awesome this book was! This author knew what she was doing when she wrote this book.
All the added ingredients with just the right amount of everything including the song Amazing Grace wrapped it up nicely.
Zoe is an amazing character whose personality I just love. I think I would love to have her along side of me as a best friend too. Her belief in God and when she prays before she steps into anything is just rad ( another word for cool is my guess).
Another quote is I can do All Things in Christ which strengthens me. This is also one of my favorite verse from the Bible.
How true that is. This is one of my favorite quotes ever. Because like Zoe sometimes we just have to ask Him for strength to do the next right thing.
I thought the author also done a wonderful job in bringing Jack's feelings to life where he figures he inadequate and not worthy of love.
What!? how can Jack say that about himself? Made me want to give him shaking syndrome at times.
We are all worthy of love and Grace. No one is exempt from that if we ask for forgiveness and mean it from our hearts. It's all God wants.
I can't imagine a dog with that many names. Just Romeo would have done ok. But anyway, Romeo is a special dog so I guess it's ok. I rather liked having him around.
I spent most of today reading this wonderful book. It was so exciting that I had to see if the characters could accomplish their mission.
Made my Sunday afternoon rather pleasant.
I enjoy reading stories like this.
This is a new author for me and I feel that she has done well for this book.
I gave this book 5 stars since it all the right recipe for the makings of a good book.
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review of this story. All opinions are my own.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mountain Hostage was a quick read. I didn't love it, but I was able to finish it pretty quickly and it held my interest. I thought the opening scene was very intense and I was curious what had happened to her friend.

I had kind of guessed one of the "bad guys" pretty early on, so I wasn't surprised when the person turned out to be behind it. I thought the main character was not thinking when she did something towards the end that put herself in danger.

All in all, an okay read. I didn't love it, but it was an entertaining read for the most part.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mountain Hostage by Hope White is a fast paced romantic suspense. Zoe and her friend are out hiking for a brief escape from their problems. Shannon gets kidnapped and Zoe is thrown down the mountain. Jack and his K-9 find her and try to protect her when there are multiple attempts on her life.
Will they find her friend alive, will they find the kidnapper and the reason behind it all.
Jack’s character is adorable. He is super smart but terrible with feelings, emotions and people. Their conversations are funny and heartwarming.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Library Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very different in the choice of a hero, as I'm pretty sure he was supposed to be autistic. So that was great. The only thing I didn't like was that it was insta-love, but well done insta-love. 3.5 out of 4.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love books featuring SAR or police dogs, and did enjoy those parts of this book. I wasn't impressed by much of the suspense story however - too many leaps, clearly following a formula - a lady being attacked for no reason, later the home being trashed, no security cameras, the guy with the dog deciding to appoint himself as guardian - although he is not police, just a tech guy who does SAR in his spare time, etc. I don't like the female character 'sensing' that someone is upset when they are actually telling her they are upset.
As the lady didn't actually have anything in common with the man, I could not see a relationship forming in real life. Just because a man and a woman spend some time together in a stress situation, it doesn't automatically follow that they will start a relationship.

I would try another book by the author as I enjoyed the hiking aspect, and the rescue dog of course.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe pratt lost her footing on the icy trail and gasped. Maybe a winter hike hadn’t been the best idea. Zoe shouted to Shannon to slow down Shannon shouted “ I can’t till you see the view from Pirates Peak.” It was cold in the Cascade Mountains and Zoe wasn’t an experienced hiker. She came to the town of Mt. Stevens, Washington to hang out with Shannon, her childhood best friend. Zoe thought they’d spend time relaxing, catching up on their lives. Shannon had always been the one to challenge Zoe out of her funk when things seemed desperate. Zoe had needed a break from her challenging job as a social worker for adolescents and teens from her dismal personal life. She still couldn’t believe how badly she misjudged things with her ex boyfriend Tim. Then Zoe heard a female scream. She rran and seen a man had grabbed Shannon , Zoe tried to free Shannon and the man backhanded her and she feel over the ledge of the mountain. Search-And-rescue volunteer Jack Monroe flashed the alert to his second in command -Heather Bond and excused himself from the business meeting. He had hired Heather to manage his first security company so he’d have flexibility to leave Seattle and join a search when necessary. Jack was with his Rescue dog Romeo at 3:45 and they were to look for a hiker that had fallen down the mountain side. Two hikers had heard a scream and than seen the hiker fall. There was beatrice Spears and her lab Cooper and Leslie Vonn. Her dog hadn’t qualified yet but it was good to have an extra person. Then a memory popped into Jack’s mind… his failure. He pushed it out of his mind he had a job to do, a hiker to find.
I really enjoyed this book. It took a while before this became a romance but so worth the wait. And than add some suspense and danger and you have a very good read. I loved how Zoe never lost her faith in Shannon. I also liked that Jack was a loner and didn’t usually fit in with people. I loved Romeo and how Jack loved him and how he soothed Zoe and helped her to calm down. I loved the pace and plot. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it. I wish I could have rated it a 4.5

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I don't do quotes but this one stuck out at me and it's coming from Heather Jack's assistant. I love how she put him in his place.
Here she tells him that "Nothing is more important than love boss.". How true this is! God's Love is the most important thing to ever happen to a person once they discover His love.
Man, I can't tell you how awesome this book was! This author knew what she was doing when she wrote this book.
All the added ingredients with just the right amount of everything including the song Amazing Grace wrapped it up nicely.
Zoe is an amazing character whose personality I just love. I think I would love to have her along side of me as a best friend too. Her belief in God and when she prays before she steps into anything is just rad ( another word for cool is my guess).
Another quote is I can do All Things in Christ which strengthens me.
How true that is. This is one of my favorite quotes ever. Because like Zoe sometimes we just have to ask Him for strength to do the next right thing.
Jack is a bit different. He's a loner like me or the way I used to be until I got a job and then that's when I learned to socialize and talk to people.
I like Jack. He can come and rescue me anytime! But as much as Iike Jack I love his dog even more.
I laughed at the dog's name Romeo. I can't imagine a dog with that many names. Just Romeo would have done ok. But anyway, Romeo is a special dog so I guess it's ok. I rather liked having him around.
I spent most of today reading this wonderful book. It was so exciting that I had to see if the characters could accomplish their mission.
Made my Sunday afternoon rather pleasant.
I enjoy reading stories like this.
This is a new author for me and I feel that she has done well for this book.
I gave this book 5 stars since it all the right recipe for the makings of a good book.
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review of this story. All opinions are my own.

[Chanel Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one starts out pretty fast paced. Zoe and her friend get attacked during their hike and Zoe's friend get taken well Zoe gets stranded on the mountain. Jack and Romeo find her and stay with her until she is taken to safety. Jack and Romeo however worry about her and decided to come and check up on her, only to find that Zoe is in a bit of trouble and could use some help. Jack and Romeo decided to offer that help and the three find themselves in a tangled web of drugs and missing people.
Mom and I loved the relationship that Jack and Romeo had. Romeo maybe trained to be a Search and Rescue dog, but he offers Jack a lot of emotional support, aka, Romeo could definitely be an Emotional Support Animal. We, well mom a little bi more, like that Jack was not your typical hero. He had trouble communicating with people, and people intern have trouble understanding him. This also played a part in his past relationship and leaves him a little gun shy.
Romeo is a Bernese Mountain Dog mix. He definitely has a place in this romance but Mom and I both felt the Buzz was just a tad bit more prominent in story plot, but Romeo was well woven in into the story for a little as he played in the over all plot.
Mom and I really like this series and can not wait to continue reading on.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed an easy book to listen to while commuting and liked the description of a search and rescue team with K9 and a mystery with side of romance so bought this book cheap on chirp specials. I would rate the story a 4⭐️. Listening to a book is very difficult when the narrator has a Northern Midwest accent and elevates her tone at the end of each sentence. Narration 1⭐️. So I gave it a general 3⭐️. A weakness of the book is the number of times she wrote “said.” As a retired teacher and community college instructor, I would have lowered the grade or at least asked the student to write a list of synonyms for “said.” Making it worse was the narrator who elongated the word—e.g. she saaaaaaaad. He saaaaaaaaad. Ahhhh! Since I was alone I would grit my teeth or or growl after a long string of saids! Horrid! If you are from Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin you might not even notice and I am sorry to be irritated with that accent, but it was so distracting. I’m short—read the book, don’t listen to it.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Mountain Hostage This is one of the K-9 Mountain Guardians Series. I have really enjoyed this series even though it doesn't seem to be connected as the continuity series usually are. I do really enjoy Hope's work. This book is well written, action packed and fast paced. Faith is the main ingredient in this story.

Zoe Pratt is visiting her best friend Shannon. She has just broke up with her boyfriend and needed to heal. Shannon is also having trouble with her boyfriend. They go on a hike in the mountains when a man captures Shannon and Zoe is shoved over the mountain edge; her friend is kidnapped.

IT Security Specialist Jack Monroe and his dog, Romeo are search and rescue volunteers. He receives a message of a woman going over the edge of the mountain. He teams up with two women and another dog. He listens to their chatter and stays off to the side as he's a loner and not good at small talk. They find the victim. She is unresponsive when they first find her but when she wakes she is full of fear and seems to be trying to find a way down. He can't let her injure herself more so he repelled down to her. His presence startled her, terror looks back at him, she falls back, and off the Plateau; he catches her. She tells him about Shannon being taken.

A journey to find her friend but the more they search the more it looks like she's involved in drugs. Zoe can't accept that. Jack feels like he must protect Zoe. God has a plan for these two broken souls. A plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a wonderful start. The two friends hiking through the mountains and a bad guy coming out of nowhere and attacking. It was heart stopping. I truly enjoyed the beginning completely.
Zoe was a good character and I completely connected with her. I had trouble when it came to Jack and her relationship. They were absolute opposites and the connection just wasn't there for me. That being said, the actual story was good start to finish. I liked all the extra characters and I am hoping to see some other stories coming from them.
It was a 3/5 for me. I enjoyed the overall story.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book via netgalley. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Paul Goble · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked - I enjoyed the strong, likeable protagonists. The story is a great example of how "neurotypical" people can understand, appreciate, and love someone "on the spectrum" of autism. Dog lovers will not be disappointed--Romeo the dog has a prominent and realistic role. The plot was full of twists, surprises, and a few cliffhangers. The editing was solid, with just a few oversights which I did not find distracting.

What I didn’t like so much - Although the importance of shared faith and beliefs was acknowledged, the characters put far more emphasis on emotional attraction and surface-level "values." This is a recipe for failed relationships.

Main characters - Zoe Pratt-vacationing youth counselor. Jack-IT entrepeneur and SAR volunteer. Romeo-the dog.

[Brenda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series. Zoe Pratt and her friend, Shannon, are enjoying a winter hike on Mt. Stevens in Washington. Suddenly Zoe is pushed off the mountain and Shannon is kidnapped. Jack Monroe and his K-9 search and rescue dog, Romeo, find Zoe and vows to help find Shannon. Action packed non stop heart pounding suspense make you not want to put this book down til the last page. Does Shannon get found alive, is the killer caught and will there be a romance between Zoe and Jack? I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to start the last one in the series.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Pratt hasn't seen her best friend for the last several years, and now they are going for a mountain hike on a winter day. During the hike, they are ambushed and Zoe gets shoved off the mountain while her friend, Shannon, is kidnapped. Search and rescue volunteers are called when it's reported that a woman has fallen, and Jack Monroe is the one who spots her and goes to her aid. Even though she's been rescued, Zoe is still not safe. Jack, his K-9 partner, Romeo, and Zoe must join forces for her to remain safe as they search for her friend.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this clean, Love-Inspired, romantic suspense. It pulled me in from the beginning and held my attention till the end. I voluntarily chose to review this and I've given it a 5* rating. There is a lot of action and a little bit of romance. This sure had a lot of twists and turns, along with plenty of bad guys, plus a K-9 dog too. They sure add a little extra to the stories. A nice ending to this too. I just can't go wrong with the love inspired series.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great charcters

I absolutely loved Zoe and Jack and the way they connected. What disappointed me was the plot. It was too busy. In an attempt to create suspense, there was one calamity after another. I think that actually detracted from the story. I think that less would have been better with continued focus on how Jack is learning about himself as he discovers that someone (Zoe) actually gets his quirks. Great potential but fell a bit short of the mark for me.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe comes to visit her best friend Shannon. They go for a hike and Shannon is kidnapped and Zoe is shoved off the mountain. Zoe is rescued by SAR Jack and his dog, Romeo. Jack is a brilliant tech guy with issues in the emotions department. Why was Shannon kidnapped? Why are they after Zoe? This was book two in the K-9 Mountain Guardians series.

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!

This is a really goodbook!!!! Exciting and full of mystery and adventure!!! Faith in God and belief in a friend with the refusal to believe bad things about a friend just because of the physical facts and how things appear!!!!!

[Pat Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebook

She visits her friend, they go for a hike. Her friend is kidnapped and she gets pushed off a mountain. That’s the start of an adventure to find her friend but also leads to a man to love.

[Neva Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery/suspense with a good dose of romance.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
K-9 Mountain Guardians

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
K-9 Mountain Guardians