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Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

336 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2021

85 people are currently reading
2973 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Goddard

132 books1,552 followers
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.



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or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,137 reviews160 followers
November 2, 2021
Deadly Target is the second of the Rocky Mountain Courage series about three friends united when they each have a family member killed helping those caught in an avalanche. Erin's story is one action packed from the beginning when she and her friend are run down by a boat where they are kayaking on Puget Sound. At the same time, her old boyfriend Nathan called to say that her mom tried to commit suicide back in Montana so she heads home. Then Nathan's father, back from Boston for a visit, is shot while the two are fishing. Whew! There are a lot of things going on to keep up with. Nathan and Erin work together to find answers and their lives are in danger but who is the target in all the dangerous activity. This is filled with cold cases - those that Erin is doing a podcast about and those that Nathan's dad was working on. Are they in some way connected? How are Erin and her mom involved? Nathan and his dad? Expect suspense, loose threads, bad guys, all sprinkled with faith, romance, and maybe a second chance. We do get to see characters from the previous story in the awesome setting of the rugged country of the Rockies in Montana.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,443 reviews1 follower
dnf
February 19, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. I found the beginning of this book very confessing, and it took me over 30% of this book just to get a little bit into this book. Just when I was starting to enjoy the storyline, I found it getting boring again. I also could not connect to the characters in this book either. I ended up giving up on this book after reading 73% of the book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,461 reviews589 followers
November 4, 2021
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

DEADLY TARGET (Rocky Mountain Courage Book #2) by Elizabeth Goddard is the second Christian romantic suspense in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. This book can be read as a standalone. The books are set in the same small town with only minimal crossover of characters from book one.

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson and her friend are almost killed when their kayaks are hit by a boat. As they are rescued by another boat, Erin receives the news that her mother has attempted suicide from the man she left behind, Nathan. She rushes back to Montana taking a leave of absence from her day job, but she feels she can continue her cold case podcasting as she stays to help her mother.

Nathan Campbell’s father returns to Montana at the same time and enlists his son’s help in solving a cold case that he believes ties into the current case he is working in Boston. As he begins to tell Nathan about the case, he is swearing him to secrecy as he is shot.

Nathan knows Erin is back and believes she can help him with his search for answers. As the two search for clues, they are targeted and nearly killed several times. Erin left Nathan due to a secret in her past which now needs to come to light to help them with their present case before it is too late.

The suspense plot in this book is interesting and has plenty of surprises. The main plot does take a while to start bringing the clues together, but there is plenty of action as several attempts are made on the H/h’s lives. I liked Nathan’s strength, loyalty and determination to find the truth. I did not warm up to Erin and when you find out why she pushes people away, it did not help. She just never rang true to me. Her being a psychologist and feeling broken for the reason given did not work for me. This book has more Christian prayer than the first book and at times, for me, it interrupted the flow of the scene.

For me, this was just an OK read. I would continue with the series though to read and discover Alex’s story.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,406 reviews120 followers
November 18, 2021
She's done it to me again! Every time I read a book by this author I get totally impressed all over again.
With nonstop, continuous, edge of your seat action happening one after another no chance of a snooze fest happening with this book.
A shocking plot twist about 85 percent through changes the whole dynamics of the story ! WOW!!!!!!
This author's books are absolutely not to be missed and auto-reads for me.
You need to read this NOW!!!!! Highly recommended!
#DeadlyTarget #NetGalley.

Pub Date 02 Nov 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Patricia Bradley.
Author 29 books1,296 followers
November 10, 2021
WARNING! Don't start this book at night if you plan to go to sleep before midnight! That's what I did and it kept me up two nights in a row past 1 a.m. This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage Series but it's a stand-alone, meaning you don't have to read the first one to know what's going on. But if you haven't read Present Danger, you'll want to by the time you finish Deadly Target!

The story opens with boat trying to run over Erin Larson and her friend as they kayak on Puget Sound. She barely survives that before she's told her mother tried to commit suicide and she rushes home to Montana to take care of her. But the killer follows her. Erin has no idea if the killer is after her because she's a criminal psychologist and they've crossed paths before or if it's something else entirely.

Back in Montana, she runs into her old flame, Nathan Cambell. He's consumed with finding out who tried to murder his father who is a detective back in a small town outside Boston. Nathan is convinced the shooting is tied to a case his father was working on and sets out to discover what the case is. He turns to Erin for help, and she soon becomes a target. But is it because of the cold-case podcast she's working on?

This story will keep the reader on the edge of their seats (For me, wide awake). There are twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing who the bad guy is. And like all of Goddard's books, the setting itself is a character. By the time you finish the book, you'll be vowing to visit the Big Rapids, Montana area.

Readers of romantic suspense will not be able to put this book down!
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book507 followers
January 2, 2022
4.5 stars

Ok y’all…. buckle up before you start Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard. Get a backup supply of oxygen, too, because I’m warning you now – some of the twists in this romantic suspense are so stunning that you may forget to breathe. In fact, I’m pretty sure at one point I had to consciously remind myself to exhale. Throw in the kisses born of long pent-up romantic tension and yeah… just keep some oxygen close at hand.

Nathan and Erin may no longer be sweethearts but that doesn’t mean that they’ve stopped loving each other, and being thrown into close proximity to solve Nathan’s dad’s case only fans those embers back into flames. The things that kept them apart, however, are only further magnified during the investigation, and I really appreciated the pace at which Goddard wove those threads into their story. Just out of reach enough that we don’t have all the answers until we’re meant to. This doesn’t apply only to Nathan and Erin, either, but also to a handful of supporting characters whose roles are perhaps more pivotal than we first realize.

Not only does the author do a great job of giving her characters layers and dimension – in their backstories and in their relationships – but she also masterfully keeps the suspenseful tension at epic levels throughout the entire novel. We are literally swept off our feet (along with the characters) more than once with high-stakes danger and those stunning twists I mentioned earlier. There’s very little time allowed for relaxing either, which is how I like my suspense novels, as the action starts in the first few pages and keeps a steady pace until the last few.

Bottom Line: The twists & turns in Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard kept me glued to the story from the very first chapter and on the edge of my seat til the end! I mean, wow. Every time I dared to relax a smidgen, more danger for our protagonists sent my heart back into my throat. And did I mention those stunning twists?!? I still haven’t recovered from a couple of them. Swoony romance adds a different sort of tension to the mix, and the author has skillfully created layered characters that readers will love. Make sure you have a good stretch of free time when you start this novel, because you won’t want to put it down!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
November 2, 2021
‘Evil wouldn’t let her forget that it existed, even for a few hours.’

Elizabeth Goddard is a great voice in inspirational suspense and I have long enjoyed her books. This one is action packed with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. And Goddard throws in a very surprising twist to boot! Recommended.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via the Net Galley platform. The opinion here is my own.
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 66 books1,895 followers
February 1, 2022
Ready for a race from page one to the end? So much is happening and yet it's all interconnected in this intricate read. Layered with conflict from the past that bleeds into the now, this book was a very quick read.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,876 reviews208 followers
November 6, 2021
Deadly Target is book two in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, yet it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel if you have not read book one in the series.

This story had some great twists and turns in it, some that I didn’t see coming but yet made sense when I stepped back and looked at the overall events. There were fast moving sections but also a lot of puzzling out of the clues which required digging into events of the past while missing some key information.

I liked the two main characters and felt especially bad for Nathan, who had dealt with such heartbreak when Erin broke off their relationship years earlier. The tension between these two characters as they worked together seemed just right. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Kristina Hall.
Author 19 books431 followers
October 28, 2021
Characters: Erin and Nathan struck me as average romantic suspense characters. Erin was probably the more well-developed of the two, and she had an interesting backstory. Nathan got on my nerves a bit with his minor obsession with being a hero and saving the day. I did feel a little disconnected from these characters at times, and I wish the author had expanded on their emotions, especially during the intense moments.

Language: Clean.

Moral: I don't remember any strong themes coming through in this book, but I really appreciated how the characters took time to pray. After reading lots of Christian fiction that was lighter on the Christian content, this made me happy to see.

Plot: Deadly Target had a really creative plot. Lots of pieces tied together in the end in a way that was quite unique.

Romance: Clean. A few kisses.

Writing: Elizabeth Goddard has a smooth, pleasant writing style that worked well for this novel, and I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

Overall: Deadly Target was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,314 reviews74 followers
November 3, 2021
Elizabeth Goddard once again combines intricately crafted plot, fast-paced action, nail-biting suspense with lovable characters to create a story that will take you on a wild journey to a surprising and totally unexpected ending. Though it is second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.

Erin and Nathan are enjoyable characters but the book is definitely plot-driven. Cold cases, shadowy pasts, and unknown threats loom over Erin and Nathan as they dodge disasters and attempt to untangle the series of events, injuries, and deaths. If you enjoy romantic suspense, this book will hit the spot.

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
Profile Image for Doreen.
792 reviews18 followers
November 3, 2021
Wow! This book is jam packed with action and suspense. The danger appears at every turn to so many different people. It's hard for Nathan, Erin, and the police to figure out who the real target is and why the villain is so bent on destruction and violence. Long held secrets start busting their way out for some big surprises. It can be hard to know who to trust.

I enjoyed Erin and Nathan. I felt that their relationship went from somewhat antagonistic and aloof back to flirty a little too quickly without much transition. Erin's work as a criminal psychologist was interesting. I wish it had been even more of a focus.

This was an exciting read. I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews136 followers
November 28, 2021
I was very happy to get my hands on this awesome novel! I always thought there was more to Erin and Nathan's story! I wasn't disappointed!
This is a fast paced novel that will make you bite your nails in suspense! I simply love stories like these.
Elizabeth Goddard is also one of my to go authors for suspense novels like this. She's a wonderful storyteller that pulls you into the story before you know it! It makes for a pleasant afternoon/evening and I'll even admit that parts of this story had me looking over my shoulder at times lol! Especially if I read at night!
5 stars forthe excellent writing and for keeping me on the edge of my seat with Erin and Nathan's strory
Profile Image for E.C..
Author 2 books109 followers
February 2, 2022
A clean, Christian suspense novel. While I didn't find the characters or writing style very unique, I appreciated the clear Christian elements and how the mystery came together in a way I did not see coming at all.

I don't really read much in this genre, so I don't have much to compare it to, but overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced read.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,600 reviews53 followers
October 7, 2021
A romance novel

Rocky Mountain Courage book #2

I love authors under the Publisher Revell their books have an excellent and captivating story. The narrative and dialogue are clear and clean and as the plot moves along it is easy to find ourselves being hooked in so much suspense that it is hard to put the book down especially when the rush of adrenaline hits. Along the storylines we find a teasing romance that last from the opening till the conclusion and this triggers some emotions...I liked to slap the characters to get on with it. Since “Revell” is Christian publisher we do not have over the top sex scenes. Elizabeth Goddard is one of my favourite author I enjoy reading and I love how she pens an intriguing story for our enjoyment.

Although “Deadly Target” is part of a series it stands well by itself.

Now that you know what I think...time to give you a snippet of the storyline:

“Crime psychologist turned podcaster Erin Larson agrees to assist a county detective in finding answers to a cold case. The deeper they dig the more dangerous the situation gets.”

Main characters: Erin Larson, podcaster and criminal psychologist and Nathan Campbell, detective and Erin’s ex-boyfriend

Ms. Goddard excels in bringing to life these two characters through their actions and in the manners they face difficult situations. Along the way we meet a mix of characters we love to hate....maybe even love some of them.

“Deadly Target” is well said and well-done

Thank you Revell for the opportunity to read and review this book
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,526 reviews137 followers
November 12, 2021
“Evil wouldn’t let her forget that it existed, even for a day.”
As a criminal psychologist, Erin Larson thought she knew about the criminal mind. But what she doesn’t know about her past suddenly catches up to her when multiple attempts on her life occur. Helping former boyfriend, Detective Nathan Campbell, with a cold case he is working on gets very personal. His detective father has been shot and Nathan needs to find out why.
I liked the way Erin and Nathan always relied on God to protect them and offered instant prayers when they felt danger encroaching.
With past paced action, this is a thrilling story that has many threads that finally came together in an exciting conclusion. You need to put your thinking caps on for this one! It is like watching a Bruce Willis or Duane Johnson dangerous adventure movie. Lots of action and an evil back story with a great romance.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Sarah.
575 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2021
DO NOT DISTURB! This is a book where you need to block out the time to read it from start to finish, and put up a Do Not Disturb sign. It is THAT hang-onto-the-edge-of-your-seat, try-to-remember-to-keep-breathing GOOD! From the very beginning you have multiple dangers, unsolved cold case mysteries, flying bullets, MORE mysteries, MORE life-flashing-before-your-eyes dangers, AND Nathan and Erin’s romance. The romance that Erin nipped in the bud 5 years earlier...The romance that neither-OOPS! No Spoilers! To solve the mystery of the romance that got nixed and to get all of the details of the whys and wherefores, you will have to read the book! And this book is worth every suspense filled page turn! I can’t wait for the next book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series.

I received an ARC of the book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
2,021 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2021
Oh my goodness what a fantastic romantic suspense. Elizabeth Goddard has written a real winner. The plot is a real page turner with great character dynamics. I could hardly put the book down. If you are a fan of suspense you do not want to miss this book. I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
3,915 reviews1,763 followers
February 17, 2022
I think I'm too gobsmacked to formulate words. What a thrill of a read! I mean it starts off straight forward...ish. :-) A heroine who secretly podcasts about missing children; a hero who is reconnecting with his dad after years of estrangement only to have him shot. Oh and the hero and heroine were once an item so there's reunion romance angst as well.

Lots for a suspense reader to dig her teeth into and I thought I was prepared but Goddard kept me spinning loop-de-loops right to the very end. It was "wait...what?...bbbbut....ohooooo" all the way through. Punctuated by so many startling revelations that I'm completely baffled over how the author kept it all straight as she was writing. So it's complicated but not so much so that I was lost -- more like awed. Over and over again.

And then there's Nathan and his silver linings. :-) Be still my heart! And Erin who flat out ran from their relationship back in the day. No real reason other than a deeply rooted fear that she still hasn't escaped. So there's that to work through while dodging a maniacal killer and investigating a cold case and just staying alive. All while trying to absorb the whiplash of repeated startling discoveries. Phew!

A page-turning mix of suspense and romance that's pretty much unputdownable. Or un-not-listenable? 'Cause this was another audible selection for me, aptly narrated by Cynthia Farrell.
Profile Image for Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict.
384 reviews164 followers
November 15, 2021
3.5 stars ✨

I wanted to try another of Elizabeth's books, and this cover really stood out to me so I decided to give this one a go. And while I still struggled with some aspects of the story like the previous ones I've read, I can really see a difference as well. Deadly Target starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. If you do start this book, be prepared to read well into the night because you'll need to finish it!

I never really connected to either Erin or Nathan, but again, I had those issues with Goddard's previous books. I liked how their stories and cases overlapped; once threads started interconnecting, the mystery was a compelling read. And I guarantee you'll have to read to the end to figure out what's going on; there's no way you'll be able to guess!

I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Target from the publisher, Revell. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Christine.
103 reviews38 followers
December 22, 2021
Deadly Target, the second installment in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, is even better than the first. This is a very fast paced novel that starts with a bang, is full of twists and turns, and will keep readers entertained from beginning to end. I did not find the plot predictable, nor did the villain jump out at me until they were intended to. These are all signs of a well designed storyline. This is a romantic suspense novel, and romance fans will not miss out in this story. While it felt a bit "insta-love" to me, it remained enjoyable. Overall, this was a good read and I'm looking forward to the final book in this series.

I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
799 reviews15 followers
December 1, 2021
5 stars

Gosh--this book kept me up at night riveted to the story. I can not wait for the next book. This book was the perfect book after a couple of books that were not my style.

The characters of Erin and Nathan were amazing. I almost felt bad for them by the end of the story with all of the awful things that were happening around them.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kelsie.
213 reviews12 followers
October 11, 2021
Going to try to turn off my romantic-suspense cynicism for this review, because Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard does not deserve it. While unrealistic in many ways, Goddard’s second installment of her “Rocky Mountain Courage” series is a whirlwind adventure from the first chapter to the conclusion. It features typical genre clichés—a past relationship that went sour, a “damaged” character, and a big secret. The novel, however, is so action-packed that you cannot focus on its boilerplate characteristics. While maybe not for everyone, Deadly Target hit the bullseye for me.

Erin is a forensic psychologist with an up-and-coming cold case podcast. She returns to home to care for her mother. She originally left for her career, leaving Nathan behind with a hurt and confused heart. Someone shoots Nathan’s father due to his connection to a case. Nathan’s instructed to trust no one, but he brings in Erin believing her special skills can help. Little does either of them know what dangers they would face: Shooters, bombs, floods. As the questions and threats erupt, so do Nathan and Erin’s feelings for each other. Mysteries abound, and dots eventually connect together to reveal a bigger conspiracy than anyone could anticipate.

I enjoyed Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard. It is such a fun read, exciting every step of the way. The characters are not very relatable, but they are still likeable. Nathan was, to me, too perfect. And Erin’s focus on her big secret and how she could never reveal it because no one would accept her ever again…really? But the twists and turns in the novel’s plot—goodness! Goddard is brilliant. I didn’t know what to expect next. I figured everything connected together, but I never anticipated the how. Saying much more about the how would reveal too many spoilers, so I’ll stop there. Just know it’s about as exciting as you might be thinking!

This novel has it all—heartbreak, forgiveness, redemption, flirting, humor, explosions, gunshots, criminal activity…everything. In some novels, it might’ve been too much. But if this book were an episode of Food Network’s Chopped, Goddard would be the unanimous champion. She combines what might be “too much” with some authors into a “just right” story that will leave readers breathless. From the moment I began reading Deadly Target, I rarely put it down. Could I physically set it on my table? Absolutely. But I could not mentally let it lie. I evaluated it, asking questions in my head and aloud.

Deadly Target has its imperfections—like all novels—but all things considered, it’s a great rainy-day novel. One you can pick up and finish in four hours without feeling guilty. With its exhilaration and fast-paced, never-stopping-for-a-breath plot, time will fly by for you as it did for me. The novel is a wonderful addition to Goddard’s “Rocky Mountain Courage” books, and I can’t wait to read the third one…if there is a third one. If it’s not in the works already, Elizabeth Goddard, consider this review my personal and official request!

*Note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,742 reviews8 followers
November 2, 2021
Deadly Target is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. I've had the privilege of reading both books and I enjoyed this book as much as the first.

There's secrets, drama, angst, family, reconnections, a second-chance romance, danger, and suspense. There were so many twists and turns, it kept me wondering what would happen next...and I was completely surprised at the underlying cause of everything. I may not have agreed with some of Erin's decisions, but I loved her and Nathan together.

I highly recommend this book any anyone who enjoys Christian romantic suspense.

Sweet Quote: "She could stay in his arms forever and hoped he would never let her go." .......
"She listened to the strong, steady beat of his (Nathan's) heart.
The security, the stability she'd been searching for had been there waiting for her all along."

Many thanks to Revell and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation
Profile Image for Ann's Reading Corner.
211 reviews22 followers
February 18, 2025
Oh my gosh! This book will tear you apart and make you wanna cry with the characters! I really related to the MMC of always striving for approval and having to prove himself to his parents and superior. And Erin😭 she broke my heart, the burden that she bore all alone for so long!
The romance was well done but not the focal point. The suspense was amazing and I was kept guessing up until the end! It ended a little rushed but I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't mind reading more by this author! This was my first by her.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
October 16, 2021
Erin Larson let a secret from her past drive her out of the arms of the love of her life, Nathan Campbell, and away from her hometown, Big Rapids, Montana. She got a Ph.D. and became a criminal psychologist with a job in Seattle, Washington. She was out on the Puget Sound kayaking with her friend Carissa Edwards when a boat raced their way and rammed them. Both Erin and Carissa almost died. Erin had no sooner been rescued from that incident and was still on the rescue boat when she got a phone call from her ex, Nathan telling her that her mother tried to commit suicide and was being treated in the hospital in Montana. Erin raced home and the danger continued.

Nathan Campbell is a detective in Grayback County, Montana. He was thrilled to see his father back in Big Rapids, the father who had left him and his mother, and whom he hadn't seen in seven years. As they were fishing together in their old favorite fishing spot a shot rang out and Nathan's dad collapsed. Nathan's dad, Newt was about to tell him why he was back in Montana when his job as a detective was back in Boston as the bullet hit him. All Nathan knew was that he couldn't tell anyone about why his dad was in town. Nathan was officially off the investigation of his dad's shooting but that wasn't stopping him from investigating on his own. He needed a sounding board and decided that Erin Larson was his best choice. Nathan didn't realize it but the danger was closing in on him and Erin.

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard is the second book in her Rocky Mountain Courage series. This is a super suspenseful second chance romance. It's chock full of action and Ms. Goddard manages to ratchet up the tension more and more as the storyline unfolds. The two main characters Erin and Nathan faced so many dangers in this story they surely kept their guardian angels working overtime. I enjoyed reading some of the surprise revelations sprinkled throughout the book. This is a great addition to the series.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Stella Potts.
516 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2021
This is Elizabeth Goddard’s best yet as far as I am concerned. The characters are well rounded and the suspense is intense and will keep you guessing until the end. And what a surprise and very satisfying end it is. I loved Erin and Nathan and boy what they had to go through to stay alive. If you are a fan of romantic suspense you will love this book. Get your copy and you won’t regret it for sure. Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,206 reviews62 followers
November 29, 2021
Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard kept the action pumping with plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing and flying through the story. The action was my favorite part. Goddard does a wonderful job at amping up the suspense for the heroine. She kept throwing her and the hero in tricking spots that readers will not see coming. Romance, of course, develops, but the story does focus more on the suspense than the romance, which is the way that romantic suspense should be written. The plot was unique and different. The moment of truth for the heroine was not something I have ever read before. It was thrown in, and I was a little shocked. Did not see that coming. If readers enjoy a good chase from the bad guys and want to know why, then this is a good story close to a cozy mystery with a little more edge to the plot. Overall, Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard was a delight to lose myself in. Romantic Suspense fans should pick up this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
597 reviews93 followers
October 29, 2021
DEADLY TARGET by Elizabeth Goddard is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. It’s centered round Erin Larson, criminal psychologist, and Nathan Campbell, a police detective and former boyfriend of Erin’s.

Erin and Carissa, a dear friend, were canoeing when a large boat charged them submerging them, breaking the canoes apart and almost taking Carissa’s life. While still trying to figure out the who and why, Erin gets a phone call from Nathan telling her that her mother tried to commit suicide. Banged up, emotionally raw and questions unanswered, Erin heads back to her hometown to help her mother and try to figure out what had triggered such an action and how she could have missed the warning signs.

Nathan’s father shows up out of the blue after years of being a no show. He takes Nathan fishing like old times, but it isn’t long before the conversation turns serious as his father starts to tell him about a case he’s working. He’s only gotten as far as saying lives are at stake and that he trust no one but Nathan when shots ring out hitting his father in the head. Although it doesn’t kill him, it leave him unconscious and unable to communicate once he wakes up in the hospital. His recover will be long and no idea how far he can come. Determined to find out who shot his father and why, but fearful of his words about not to trust anyone, Nathan doesn’t know where to turn. With Erin back in town, and with her profession background, he decides to ask for her help. Although they had broken up, he knows he can trust her – and he is with his life and his father’s. Without hesitation, she agrees to help.

When major events happen that seemingly add up to the fact that someone is determined to eliminate them, Erin and Nathan begin to think of themselves as the proverbial cat with nine lives and they just might be running out of lives. Could all the horrible incidents (Erin’s boating accident, Celia’s attempted suicide, and Newt’s attempted murder) all be connected? Are the evil people after all of them or just one individual with the others just in the way?

Will the dreaded, nightmarish past of Erin come back to haunt her in her present life finding her through her cold case podcast Deadly Rabbit Trails when it comes too close to home? When the truth of her past comes to light, which was why she broke up with Nathan - the love of her life - and left town, will it break them up permanently or bring them even closer together? Is it true that real love can survive anything?

DEADLY TARGET is a face paced, high-energy, edge of your seat, page turning story that will keep you on your toes trying to figure out whodunit and why only to be shaking your head at the end thinking “I sure didn’t see that coming”. However, when all the pieces to the puzzle are put in place, it all makes perfect sense. Once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down. Elizabeth Goddard weaves a wonderful faith thread through it to where you know that God is good and good will always overcome evil – although he never promised the path would be smooth. Although part of a series, DEADLY TARGET can definitely be read as a standalone book. However, after reading one of this author’s books, you will be more than anxious to devour them all. Most definitely, wholeheartedly gets my FIVE STARS and I will excitedly be waiting for the next book by Elizabeth Goddard!

I received this book free from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a review. All comments in this review are my honest opinions of the book.
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1,282 reviews352 followers
November 3, 2021
"Deadly Target", Book Two in author Elizabeth Goddard's "Rocky Mountain Courage Series", is an action-packed thrill ride from beginning to end. Fans of inspirational romantic suspense will not be able to put this book down until they have turned the final page. Puget Sound, WA is usually a place of peaceful refuge for criminal psychologist Erin Larson. The rhythm of the paddle strokes propelling her kayak across the blue water lulls her into a sense of contentment. However, that peace comes to screaming halt on one such outing when she and her friend Carissa barely escape with their lives when their kayaks are overrun by a speeding power boat. Just moments after surviving this terrifying attack, Erin is stunned to receive a call from her former love Nathan Campbell advising that her mother has been hospitalized after a suicide attempt. Heading back to Montana to care for her mom means bringing her current career to a halt and coming face-to-face with the man she left behind five years ago. She had hurt Nathan terribly when she'd left, but, for reasons of her own, she just couldn't stay. Nathan Campbell had followed his father into a law enforcement career, working for the local sheriff's department as a search ans rescue technical climber and an evidence dive team member. His father had left Nathan and his mother over twenty years ago and become a detective in Boston. Nathan had rarely seen his father, and he still carried the hurt from his betrayal. Now, his father was suddenly back in Montana for a visit and to speak with Nathan on an important matter. While his father is telling Nathan about a cold case that he has been working on, someone shoots and grievously wounds his father, who had told Nathan to keep their talk a secret and to trust no one. As his father clings to life in the ICU, Nathan begins his own investigation into the shooting as well as the cold case itself. He turns to Erin for help. Erin has kept her podcast, Missing Children , going since returning to Montana, and she has been trying to determine the reason behind her mother's suicide attempt. She and Nathan begin to work together to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together, and soon they find themselves caught in the target sights of a deadly evil force. Can they find the truth and bring this deadly reign of terror to an end? Is there hope for a new beginning for Erin and Nathan with a chance for a bright and happy future together? "Deadly Target" will keep readers on the edge of there seats until all is resolved, and those same readers will also greatly enjoy "Present Danger", Book One in the series.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via LibraryThing
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