Mountain Fugitive

by Lynette Eason

Their search for a fugitive

makes them both targets.

Out horseback riding, Dr. Katherine Gilroy accidentally stumbles into a deadly shoot-out and comes to US marshal Dominic O’Ryan’s aid. Now with Dominic injured and under her care, she’s determined to help him find her brother—the fugitive he believes murdered his partner. While Katherine’s sure her brother isn’t guilty, someone’s dead set on killing her and Dominic…and finding the truth is their one shot at survival.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

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

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense. I reread this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. This book is full of action and suspense. I also loved the characters in this book as much. The romance in this book is just ok, and the romance moved really fast. I loved the storyline, and the twist keeps you guessing. The ending was action packed. I really enjoyed this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

MOUNTAIN FUGITIVE by Lynette Eason is an action-packed Christian romantic suspense standalone that delivered everything I am looking for in Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Lynette Eason is a new-to-me author and I cannot believe I have not read other titles by her previously.

Dr. Katherine Gilroy is out enjoying a horseback ride with her best friend, Isabelle when they hear gun shots. Katherine has trained as a SWAT team medic in her past and races to see if she can help while Isabelle goes for help. Katherine finds two US Marshals on the ground. One dead and one unconscious.

US Marshal Dominic O’Ryan has a concussion but is lucky to have not been shot and killed. He is determined to bring the escaped Federal witness to justice who he believes murdered his partner. The escaped witness is Katherine’s young brother and she believes he is innocent.

Katherine and Dominic work together to bring in Katherine’s brother and find the real killer.

This romantic suspense is a great balance of continual action and suspense along with a Christian romance without sex, but plenty of building attraction and heat. Katherine and Dominic are both intelligent and accomplished main characters who have had opposite upbringings and yet find common ground. The secondary characters are well fleshed for a story of this length and continually surprised me with the character plot twists. I must also mention there is a dog you will fall in love with in this story. The Christian elements of the book are few, but believably placed and do not detract from the story.

I highly recommend this fast-paced, action-packed Christian romantic suspense. I will be looking for new releases from this author and looking into her backlist, also.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'She'd never been big on trusting or believing in God.'

I love suspense and this offering by Lynette Eason fits the suspense bill quite nicely. From the moment Dr. Katherine Gilroy, while out horseback riding, comes upon injured US Marshall Dominic O'Ryan, the action never stops. And there's a great dog in the story! Well done!

My thanks to the publisher, Love Inspired, for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is entirely my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mountain Fugitive" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Even though Katherine and Dominic initially didn't agree about the guilt of her brother, they respected each other and Dominic was willing to listen to the evidence. This respect for each other's honorable actions and character grew into more romantic feelings. They worked well together, using their different areas of knowledge and skills to survive while uncovering the truth. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Katherine and Dominic and from their hurry to find and save her brother, who was also in danger.

Katherine came from a broken home and longed for her father's love. She learned to rely on only herself (though she will ask for help when needed). The Christian element was about her wondering if Dominic's love would fill that longing but remembering how a friend told her that only God would not abandon her and could fill that lack of a father's love. 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.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just two words -- Lynette Eason -- and I don't need to know anything else other than I have to read the book stat! She excels at creating complicated plots involving the kind of characters you want to root for all while strewing impossible roadblocks along the path to a happily-ever-after. That spells reading nirvana to me.

Loved the suspense -- there's a great balance between danger/action and 'down time' sleuthing. And the way Katherine and Dominic pull together despite their differences of opinion is wonderfully refreshing. No histrionics -- Katherine is a forthright woman who isn't shy about sharing her thoughts, but she understands that Dominic has a job to do. Their's is a wrong time, wrong place kinda romance...until it suddenly isn't. Loved the way Eason pulls it altogether by the end -- both the romance and the suspense, along with a few surprises along the way.

Oh -- and look out for Buddy the rescue dog. I'm as enamoured with this four-legged hero as I am with the two-legged one. :-)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Fugitive by Lynette Eason brings the suspense, and then adds more. Dr. Katherine Gilroy lives a quiet life in her mountain town, but stumbles into the middle of a shootout. She comes to the aid of US Marshal Dominic O’Ryan, who is in pursuit of a fugitive who took down his partner. Katherine’s life intersects with Dominic’s mission when her brother is accused of murder and the killer targets Katherine.

This action-pack novel is pure excitement from start to finish. I love a strong heroine, and Katherine definitely holds her own under pressure. I like the whirlwind romance between Dominic and Katherine – nothing brings a couple together than trying to stay alive with a killer on the loose.

Definitely a five star suspense-filled read for me!

Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)


I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Katherine Gilroy was a tactical medic with a SWAT team in Atlanta but now lives above the medical clinic where she works. While she was out riding with her friend Isabelle McGee they heard gunshots. Isabelle went to get help while Katherine went forward to see what she could do to help. Katherine saw two bodies outfitted in US Marshall coats on the ground just beyond the tree line. One man was dead and the other she helped escape into the trees as more bullets pinged around them. That's how Katherine first met Dominick O'Ryan. After they were rescued Katherine offered to keep an eye on Dominick who suffered a slight concussion. Even during some dangerous situations Katherine found herself falling more and more for Dominick.

US Marshal Dominick O'Ryan had the man he was guarding run away from the safe house the US Marshals provided. The runaway was a witness the marshals were guarding as the witness' testimony guaranteed an organized crime boss would spend many years in prison. Dominick was grateful for Katherine's assistance and offer of caring for him. Tensions rose between them though when Katherine discovered that Dominick's missing witness, the man suspected of shooting and killing Dominick's partner in cold blood, was none other that Katherine's twenty-year old brother. Katherine was sure her brother, Noah Bennett, wasn't a murderer. Dominick chose to listen to Katherine and agreed to hear Noah's side of the story. If only they could find him.

Mountain Fugitive by Lynette Eason is a tense, suspenseful romantic suspense story. I was hooked from the very beginning with shots fired. The trust that developed between the two main characters, Katherine and Dominick, was built up just right. The danger they faced together strengthened their trust and their relationship. I also really liked the addition of the dog, Buddy who ended up being very protective. The conflict was spelled out quite well and I was happy with the resolution.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only was US Marshal Dominic O'Ryan nearly killed in a shoot-out the very woman who pulls him to safety is the sister of the man he thinks was responsible. Dominic is dtermined to find Katherine Gilroy's brother, especially due to the fact that his partner was killed at the time.

Katherine cannot believe her brother is a killer, even though it had been a few years since she had seen him. Dominic assures her that her brother was no angel, but Katherine is still determined to believe in his innocence. When Katherine learns how Dominic was familiar with her brother, she must admit to a bit of doubt. Will she be able to find him before the marshals and other authorities? And, will he be able to explain his role in the shooting?

Not only did this book begin with bang - literally - the action and tension never let up. While the search for her brother was in play, answers were needed. While the search is on there is no doubt that Dominic and Katherine are drawn to one another. The fact that they both based their lives on faith only made their connection stronger? Will the guilt or innocence of Katherine's brother derail what could be a warm romance and happy future between them?

Lynette Eason has written an exciting story that blended in a lot of factors that not only had wonderful characters but a story that led to a happy ending.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr.Katherine came across US Marshal Dominic and his dead partner after hearing a couple of shots nearby. While helping him she finds that they were watching her brother who was closely related to a case and they were supposed to protect him, but now her brother is suspected of the murder of Dominic's partner. Then it soon becomes clear someone is after her as well and while keeping her safe they need to find her brother and find out who is behind all this.

I really enjoyed how fast paced this book was. There was so much going on. Katherine knows that while her brother is troubled he would never go as far as murdering someone and she'll do her best to find and prove her brothers innocence. Meanwhile Dominic here knows what's her brother is capable of and reeling from the death of his friend and partner. If the brother he was watching didn't kill him who did? I enjoyed watching as they solve the case and trying to figure that out. But things couldn't just stop there because now it sees Katherines life is in danger as well and there might be dirty cops out there who can the trust? It was interesting seeing who was behind everything and overall it was a great read I really enjoyed myself.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complementary copy of this book
And this is my honest review, please take a look.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating read
If you enjoy love inspired romantic suspense it's just what you need!
It has plenty of twists and turns and romance, too
As one marshal shows his word is true.

A horseback journey in the countryside
Should be peaceful but not this ride
Gunshots result in a US marshal dead
And his partner with an injury to his head.
That's the start of this action packed read
Does the fast pace continue? Yes, indeed!

As the surviving marshal seeks the killer
To Dr Katherine Gilroy the news is a chiller
For the fugitive the marshals now hunt for
Is her younger brother who she used to adore.
She's convinced he's innocent of this crime
And will work to prove she's right this time.

This is a story with betrayal and danger
Who should you trust - friend or stranger?
There are secrets, suspense and more beside
As her brother endeavours to run and hide.
This is an enthralling, suspense filled thriller
With surprises galore as they seek the killer.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was the mention of horseback riding and helping people out that had me wanting to review this book. I really enjoyed Peril on the Ranch, also by Lynette Eason. I would like to get more of her books.

When Dr. Katherine Gilroy accidentally stumbles into a deadly shoot-out, she has to make quick decisions if she's going to help US Marshall Dominic.

Will being under her care spark a romance? Will he be able to help her find her brother?

There is so much action and suspense in this book.

Thanks to Lynette Eason and Harlequin Romantic Suspense for my ARC in exchange for a honest and voluntary review.

4 stars.

[Paula (in & out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all Harlequin Intrigue books, the suspense takes front seat over romance. In this story, we have Katherine who is a medic with the SWAT team and Dominic who is a US Marshall whose role was to keep a witness safe so that he could testify against an organized crime lord.

Turns out the witness was heroine’s brother and now they both have to work together to not only find him but to prove his innocence that he didn’t kill Dominic’s partner – al while also falling in love & being chased by the bad guys.

All in all, this was a nice read for those that like suspense & intrigue. I received a free copy from NetGalley & publisher for an honest review and I want to thank them for it.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mountain Fugitive was one hard to put down read. It's action-packed and Katherine and Dominic have such good chemistry. The romance moves a little bit fast for me, but it still worked and this is a couple I genuinely wanted to see together. I liked the balance between them even though they didn't necessarily agree about their fugitive. There was a respect there between them that goes a long way toward making them believable as a couple. The suspense side of this story is really good and kept me turning pages. It's a fairly quick read, easily finished in an afternoon or evening, which is how I spent my afternoon - curled up in my recliner enjoying a bit of mystery and clean romance.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A high stakes search to clear her brother's name and find out who is after them.

Dr. Katherine Gilroy comes at just the right time to save US Marshal Dominic O'Ryan's life. Dominic is tracking down Katherine's brother, who he believes murdered his partner. Will what they find bring them together or tear them apart?

An action packed adventure with and engaging plot and riveting characters. Katherine is a quick thinking woman, I liked that she wanted to help her brother clear his name. This is hard to put down book with a lot going on, and great relationship building.

Overall, and excellent read from beginning to end. Strong themes of faith, with a riveting adventure!

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

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Fugitive by Lynette Eason, narrated by Sara Sheckells. This is a Christian Romantic Suspense. A deadly shoot out, a dead US Marshal and a fugitive brother absorbs you into this action packed story with a twist. Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for this ace. This is my honest review. Releases June 30, 2026

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting characters with interesting back stories fill this suspense laden novel. A fast paced read about a small town doctor and a US marshall chasing a runaway criminal witness. I really enjoyed this.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian romantic suspense. Dysfunctional family issues. Good story but lots of characters introduced too quickly at the beginning. Had trouble remembering who they all were!

[Donald And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was a great book. Really kept you on the edge of your seat . Lynnette is a great author and I love all her books.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marshals on the take

Dr. Katherine rides up on a "situation" wherein one Marshal has been shot dead and another has a head wound and concussion. She rides to the rescue and calls for backup that quickly arrive & chase off the shooter--for now. But now Katherine is a target as well as Dominic, the Marshal with the head wound. Imagine her shock to discover the Marshals were all about catching her brother, who escaped protective custody. The action never stops and the shooter will finally be revealed. Lynette Eason has crafted another good read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This was a great story, well written, with dynamic characters. I did not figure it out until the end, love when that happens.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With non-stop, fast-paced action, this was a book that I had trouble putting down. Dr. Katherine Gilroy is a small town doctor and the sister of a fugitive, but when the story begins she doesn’t know that. At least, not until she meets Dominic O’Ryan, a federal Marshall intent on finding Noah and safeguarding him until he can testify against a drug lord. But Dominic is convinced that Noah killed his friend and fellow Marshall Carl, so he has even more reason to find him. The chase is on throughout the book, with more than one character getting injured in their quest for justice. I was happy to see Creed as the town sheriff since I got to know him in a previous book. All of the characters were realistic and the twists and red herrings were perfectly placed. In the genre of clean romantic suspense, this is a book not to miss! Evil is evil and good is good, and the ending, although not surprising, was wonderful to read!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Christine Lisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! Fast page turner for sure! Great job, Lynette!

[Viv Wilday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[BookLoverAmanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mountain Fugitive by Lynette Eason
3 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...


This is a solid Christian romantic suspense read with plenty of action and danger throughout the story. The premise immediately grabbed my attention, and I liked how quickly the plot got moving. Dr. Katherine Gilroy is out horseback riding and stumbles into a deadly shoot-out and she helps US marshal Dominic O'Ryan. She is determined to find her brother who they think murdered his partner. Is all that it seems?

The suspense side of the story was definitely the strongest aspect for me. There were several twists, plenty of tense moments, and enough mystery to keep me interested in finding out what was really going on with Katherine's brother and the shooting that set everything in motion. If you like fast-paced Love Inspired Suspense books, you will likely enjoy the nonstop action as you usually see.

While I liked both Katherine and Dominic as characters, I never fully connected with them on a deeper level. Their relationship developed well enough for the story, but I found myself more invested in the suspense plot than in the romance.

That said, this was still an enjoyable read. The pacing was strong, the mystery kept me engaged and there were enough to hold my interest. I also appreciated the clean romance and the faith elements, which felt natural to the story.

Overall, this is a good read that I think many Christian Love Inspired romantic suspense fans will enjoy, even if it wasn't a standout favorite for me personally.

Thank you to the Harlequin Audio for a copy of the audiobook to listen to for review. The narrator was good. All thoughts are my own.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Mountain Refuge. I'm a great fan of Lynette's work so I'm always thrilled to get one of her books in the mail. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of suspense. I know you are going to love it.

Dr. Katherine Gilroy is out on a horseback ride with a friend when they hear gunshots. Her friend goes for help. Katherine finds two men dressed as US Marshals. One is dead but the other one is alive. As she tries to treat the man another gunshot rings out. "Run!" She cries. The gunshot scared the horse so they were stranded out here with a shooter.

Us Marshal Dominic O'Ryan and his partner has been chasing fugitives. His partner is shot and Dominic has been hit by a branch and knocked out. His partner is dead! His head is injured and he isn't sure he can stand let alone run but he staggards after her. She leads him to a small cave. They are rescued, but this is only the beginning.

A journey to find the fugitive and prove that is not Katherine's brother that was the shooter. God has a plan for these two, a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Hime your heart and watch work out your messes

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting with twists and turns to the end!

This one really keeps you on your toes. There is some discussion or thoughts about religion, but not as much as in other stories I have read by Lynette Eason.The book starts with a bang, literally, and then keeps moving from there. Katherine is out riding with her friend when they hear a gunshot. While she goes to offer medical assistance, her friend goes to call 911. Things keep speeding along from that point on.

The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. I couldn't figure out who the bad guy was until near the end. And then they still had to try and catch him! This is a very exciting read with a few mentions of Christianity, but not as much as in other Love Inspired books. If that sounds good to you then read this and enjoy!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked both Katherine and Dominic, and their dynamic together as they sought to find the person who murdered Dominic's partner. They were characters that were easy to like for the most part. I especially appreciated Katherine's concern for her brother and her desire to have him be safe and heard.
I admit I got frustrated with Dominic in his initial insistence that Noah was at fault, no question about it. It made me think of the way the justice system in my country is supposed to work (innocent unless proven guilty), and how, especially now with the 'court of public opinion', that doesn't always seem to work.
As to the suspense and whodunnit, I thought I'd figured some key elements out, but was definitely off the mark a bit.
While the attraction/romantic interest was subtle-ish, I think that subtlety was 'undone' by the last chapter and a bit. I'm going to chalk it up to the 'Love Inspired' formula, rather than the author herself.
3.5 stars

[Reading With Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The play on words is the best. Lynette Eason comes up with the best sayings that brings joy to the stories and laughters like “you can’t walk and talk”. But then the action is right there on top. Action starts right off in the beginning and doesn’t stop until the end.
The world is realistic and it is everyday life that Kathryn lives through and the struggles the police have in truly identifying the correct suspect.
The storyline is great- we know once that Noah asked to look into other suspects that he didn’t do it, but then who was the suspects in itself was the mystery and the challenge. By the end of the book you go, really they’re the ones that did it.
This is a book you will not be disappointed in reading and I would recommend it.

I received a free copy via Netgalley from the publisher Harlequin Audio and the Author Lynette Eason. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mountain Fugitive by Lynette Eason is fast-paced, thrilling and romantic suspense. I enjoyed the themes of family and pursuing justice with an unbiased eye. Even good people make poor decisions and serious outcomes can result. The ability to pursue forgiveness and restoration provides hope for finding truth. I love that Katherine and Dominic had plenty of reasons to be suspicious of each other but remained opened to the truth and found so much more in the process. This is a quick read, which means the romance moved quite a bit faster than I would normally prefer, but given the novel length and the tendency of the characters, it made sense. I enjoyed the narrated version as well.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Kass Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynette Eason had me hooked just by the cover alone! Isn’t it gorgeous?! I also just love how she balances nonstop suspense with faith filled moments, all while keeping the tension high the entire time!.

What I loved most was the way trust became just as important as survival! Katherine and Dominic are forced to rely on each other in impossible situations, and watching those walls slowly come down added so much to the story! The danger kept my pulse up, but the growing connection between the characters kept me emotionally invested! If you enjoy romantic suspense with plenty of action, a dash of mystery, and characters who have to learn to trust before they can move forward, this one is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley, and Harlequin Audio for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.