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Defenders of Battle Mountain #1
Grave Danger
She escaped a killer's clutches once
Now this medical examiner needs to follow the clues to put him behind bars…
Even changing her name hasn't helped Dr. Chloe Pascale feel safe. And when a young woman is discovered buried alive, the Colorado ME knows the relentless serial killer she barely escaped has found her. To stop him, she must trust police chief Weston Ford with her darkest secrets. But getting too close is putting their guarded hearts at risk—and leading into an inescapable trap…
Now this medical examiner needs to follow the clues to put him behind bars…
Even changing her name hasn't helped Dr. Chloe Pascale feel safe. And when a young woman is discovered buried alive, the Colorado ME knows the relentless serial killer she barely escaped has found her. To stop him, she must trust police chief Weston Ford with her darkest secrets. But getting too close is putting their guarded hearts at risk—and leading into an inescapable trap…
249 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 6, 2022
92 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Nichole Severn
209 books450 followers"First class romantic suspense!"
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author
Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.
She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.
She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author
Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.
She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.
She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 4, 2022
Grave Danger is about Chloe being in danger from someone from her past and how she unravels everything with Weston’s help.
Defenders of Battle Mountain is an all-new series with serial killers hell-bent on destroying the peace of this small town!
Trigger Warning: Claustrophobia
Synopsis:
Dr Chloe Pascale, a former cardiothoracic surgeon is at the small and remote mining town of Battle Mountain, hiding from a killer after assuming a false identity. Weston Ford is the town’s police chief who’s as intrigued as he is wary of the town’s newest resident. But when a murder takes place in the sleepy town, he needs Chloe’s help to find out about the killer.
Review:
The story starts in the creepiest and chilling way possible with the doc about to be killed three months ago. Moving on, while she’s alive, there’s a murder which she has to help investigate, and which is eerily similar to what happened with her all those months ago.
I love it when parents are introduced in the story and this had his pretty early on. In a place as secluded and beautiful as Whispering Pines Ranch, where the both of them hole up till they find any leads as to who is behind the shooting and killings.
Around the middle of the book, grief slams into you, but life has to go on, especially with a deranged killer on the loose. And the way the author spun the story, it felt that it all would be over midway because some of the secrets along with the killer are revealed. In that way, there isn’t a moment of rest in the story.
The story continues to hurtle toward a scary but mind-blowing ending, and what I love about Nichole SevernSevern’s books stays: her strong heroines, supportive and protective heroes, that not everything can be like before/perfect, but that life still goes on…
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Defenders of Battle Mountain is an all-new series with serial killers hell-bent on destroying the peace of this small town!
Trigger Warning: Claustrophobia
Synopsis:
Dr Chloe Pascale, a former cardiothoracic surgeon is at the small and remote mining town of Battle Mountain, hiding from a killer after assuming a false identity. Weston Ford is the town’s police chief who’s as intrigued as he is wary of the town’s newest resident. But when a murder takes place in the sleepy town, he needs Chloe’s help to find out about the killer.
Review:
The story starts in the creepiest and chilling way possible with the doc about to be killed three months ago. Moving on, while she’s alive, there’s a murder which she has to help investigate, and which is eerily similar to what happened with her all those months ago.
I love it when parents are introduced in the story and this had his pretty early on. In a place as secluded and beautiful as Whispering Pines Ranch, where the both of them hole up till they find any leads as to who is behind the shooting and killings.
Around the middle of the book, grief slams into you, but life has to go on, especially with a deranged killer on the loose. And the way the author spun the story, it felt that it all would be over midway because some of the secrets along with the killer are revealed. In that way, there isn’t a moment of rest in the story.
She was sunshine wrapped in a hurricane on the darkest of days, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever recover—that he wanted to recover—once this investigation ended.
The story continues to hurtle toward a scary but mind-blowing ending, and what I love about Nichole SevernSevern’s books stays: her strong heroines, supportive and protective heroes, that not everything can be like before/perfect, but that life still goes on…
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
January 26, 2022
Thrilling & Nailbiting
This was a great start to the series. Sprinkle of romance, but more thrill/mystery than anything. You don't know what's around the corner, lots of twists/turns, and just really good. Yes, there's a HEA. %-) Excited to see what the next one holds. On to the next! #HappyReading ♥
I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the author via paperback and am leaving my honest review.
This was a great start to the series. Sprinkle of romance, but more thrill/mystery than anything. You don't know what's around the corner, lots of twists/turns, and just really good. Yes, there's a HEA. %-) Excited to see what the next one holds. On to the next! #HappyReading ♥
I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the author via paperback and am leaving my honest review.
January 7, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I LOVE this book!! What a fantastic foundation to a new series by one of my favorite authors. It is written in my favorite dual POV formats. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts during a scene really help me to better understand a character (hopefully in the way that the author wants.)
Dr. Chloe Miles abandons Denver after an attempt on her life. A killer tried to stuff her into an old refrigerator just like what happened to a colleague of her's. Chloe is a cardiothoracic surgeon who changes her name and profession into a coroner in small Battle Mountain, CO by the name of Dr. Chloe Pascale.
Weston Ford is the small town's police chief. He used to be a miner until the mine closed down. After his wife died 4 years ago, his father pressured him into apply for the position when the current chief had to retire for health issues.
Weston is called out to the mine after a tip comes in of a dead body being found. He figures it is a hoax as there hasn't been any major crime in the town in forever. Sure enough, he discovers a dead body of a local woman in a shallowly buried refrigerator. Weston is not trained, he doesn't have a deputy so the only person he has his one woman staff call is the coroner, Dr. Chloe Pascale.
The events and the trials and tribulations that the author puts these two characters through is just brilliant. This book is not easy to put down! I couldn't wait to see what would happen on the next page. The down-side, the book ended on me. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
There is just some kissing here. Anything else was faded to black. This story could be read by anyone of any age.
I LOVE this book!! What a fantastic foundation to a new series by one of my favorite authors. It is written in my favorite dual POV formats. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts during a scene really help me to better understand a character (hopefully in the way that the author wants.)
Dr. Chloe Miles abandons Denver after an attempt on her life. A killer tried to stuff her into an old refrigerator just like what happened to a colleague of her's. Chloe is a cardiothoracic surgeon who changes her name and profession into a coroner in small Battle Mountain, CO by the name of Dr. Chloe Pascale.
Weston Ford is the small town's police chief. He used to be a miner until the mine closed down. After his wife died 4 years ago, his father pressured him into apply for the position when the current chief had to retire for health issues.
Weston is called out to the mine after a tip comes in of a dead body being found. He figures it is a hoax as there hasn't been any major crime in the town in forever. Sure enough, he discovers a dead body of a local woman in a shallowly buried refrigerator. Weston is not trained, he doesn't have a deputy so the only person he has his one woman staff call is the coroner, Dr. Chloe Pascale.
The events and the trials and tribulations that the author puts these two characters through is just brilliant. This book is not easy to put down! I couldn't wait to see what would happen on the next page. The down-side, the book ended on me. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
There is just some kissing here. Anything else was faded to black. This story could be read by anyone of any age.
January 19, 2022
This is really a promising start for a great series. I loved the book and the investigation was really well written with enough twists and tension to keep us hooked until the last page. There several very strong moments when tissues may be more than recommended but it's has a HEA .
The romance is well written and do not feel rushed , the characters discover more about each other and feelings grow.
really i loved this book and i hope to see more of it soon
to be recommended
The romance is well written and do not feel rushed , the characters discover more about each other and feelings grow.
really i loved this book and i hope to see more of it soon
to be recommended
December 10, 2021
This book held me captive from the beginning. I couldn't put it down! I'll be tired tomorrow but it was worth it.
January 28, 2022
This is a great start to a new series, Nichole Severn is still quite new to me but I am loving her books.
Dr Chloe Miles had escaped, but had she gone far enough ? she had been a cardiothoracic surgeon in Denver but now she was living a lie, she had changed her name to Pascale and had secured a job as coroner, a job that she wasn't qualified for, in the small town of Battle Mountain Colorado.
Chloe's friend and work colleague had been murdered, buried alive, the police had no clues as to who the killer was and when the killer came after Chloe and she saw that the same fate awaited her Chloe's fear was palpable, she would fight, she had to, her life depended on it.
When Chloe was called out to a homicide by Chief Weston Ford the sight that met her was to turn her world upside down........the young girl had been buried alive, whoever he was had found her, she must run again.
Weston had other ideas and when Chloe confessed he was determined to protect her and find the killer.
Romance blossomed between Chloe and Weston but nothing could come of it, she couldn't risk anymore killings because she had come to his town, he was still mourning his dead wife and couldn't risk getting his heart broken again.
This book is action packed and suspense filled, the plot twists and turns, the characters are likable and we are introduced to the town of Battle mountain and some of its lovely people.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
Dr Chloe Miles had escaped, but had she gone far enough ? she had been a cardiothoracic surgeon in Denver but now she was living a lie, she had changed her name to Pascale and had secured a job as coroner, a job that she wasn't qualified for, in the small town of Battle Mountain Colorado.
Chloe's friend and work colleague had been murdered, buried alive, the police had no clues as to who the killer was and when the killer came after Chloe and she saw that the same fate awaited her Chloe's fear was palpable, she would fight, she had to, her life depended on it.
When Chloe was called out to a homicide by Chief Weston Ford the sight that met her was to turn her world upside down........the young girl had been buried alive, whoever he was had found her, she must run again.
Weston had other ideas and when Chloe confessed he was determined to protect her and find the killer.
Romance blossomed between Chloe and Weston but nothing could come of it, she couldn't risk anymore killings because she had come to his town, he was still mourning his dead wife and couldn't risk getting his heart broken again.
This book is action packed and suspense filled, the plot twists and turns, the characters are likable and we are introduced to the town of Battle mountain and some of its lovely people.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
June 13, 2023
Die Synopse klang interessant genug, für ein bisschen Spaß zwischendurch.....leider hat mir nichts an dieser Geschichte gefallen. Total unglaubwürdig und absehbar.
January 26, 2022
A edgy mystery romance! Action packed drama, suspense, intriguing secrets. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. Wow, it started out intense and was totally unpredictable when it came to what was going to happen next. It jumps from one sticky situation to the next, that has you on the edge of your seat. And as the killer gets closer to Chloe, she decides the best option is for her to run again so that no one else gets murdered. But the Police Chief, Weston Ford absolutely isn't having it! Weston knows that he has the skills to try and catch the serial killer of a young woman from town, with Chloe's help. Enjoyed the suspense, humor, and unexpected plot twists. Loved seeing the connection between Chloe and Weston. start to develop and turn into more.
If you like mystery romance stories then you will want to get this book
If you like mystery romance stories then you will want to get this book
January 29, 2022
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Grave Danger . Wow this story is action packed from beginning to the end . It's one heck of a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue. Chloe Miles is on the run from a killer who attempted to bury her alive . She's hiding out in Battle Mountain as Chloe Pascale .
But when the killer tracks her there she's in more danger . Chief Weston Ford finds he has feelings for Chloe when she finds herself in the killers sights . Weston will do whatever it takes to save Chloe . This story is absolutely outstanding . I really enjoyed reading it . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
But when the killer tracks her there she's in more danger . Chief Weston Ford finds he has feelings for Chloe when she finds herself in the killers sights . Weston will do whatever it takes to save Chloe . This story is absolutely outstanding . I really enjoyed reading it . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
January 27, 2022
What a great start to the series! I so loved this story between Chloe, who is the Colorado ME who works with Police Chief Weston to try and stop a serial killer. The books delivers the right amount of action packed suspense with some nice romance between the two. The story was well written and I enjoyed both characters. You could really feel the emotion! I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. This book will not disappoint in my opinion. Well worth it.
I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2022
This was excellent. Gritty, suspenseful, drama and intriguing but not to mention romantic.
Chloe, a ex cardiothorasic surgeon on the run takes a job as a coroner in a small town and works a case with police chief, Weston.
This was so good. I loved the connection between Weston and Chloe as it was slow build and not really the main focus of the story. But their resolve together was strong and they really worked well together playing off each other, despite their issues both personally and professionally.
This was so well written, I loved the addition of Easton his brother, and parents but was so saddened by a special party of the story. I'm not saying but....
I also liked the little twists and turns that made me take a second look a couple of times to catch on to the plot. Just Wow!
Nichole Severn gives us an edge of your seat thrill ride that plays on emotions occasionally. So good!!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
Chloe, a ex cardiothorasic surgeon on the run takes a job as a coroner in a small town and works a case with police chief, Weston.
This was so good. I loved the connection between Weston and Chloe as it was slow build and not really the main focus of the story. But their resolve together was strong and they really worked well together playing off each other, despite their issues both personally and professionally.
This was so well written, I loved the addition of Easton his brother, and parents but was so saddened by a special party of the story. I'm not saying but....
I also liked the little twists and turns that made me take a second look a couple of times to catch on to the plot. Just Wow!
Nichole Severn gives us an edge of your seat thrill ride that plays on emotions occasionally. So good!!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2022
This is the first book in the latest series by Nichole and it has all of her hallmarks a wonderful sense of suspense and drama with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged and a beautiful warm love story as a basis
This is Dr. Chloe Pascale and Weston Ford's story She is running for her life after escaping from the man that murdered her co worker now she has a job as the new coroner in Battle Mountain and Weston is the police chief Soon they are working together to solve the latest case in the town but this case brings her past back but luckily she has a protective police chief on her side. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can't wait for Dead Giveaway the next book in this series
This is Dr. Chloe Pascale and Weston Ford's story She is running for her life after escaping from the man that murdered her co worker now she has a job as the new coroner in Battle Mountain and Weston is the police chief Soon they are working together to solve the latest case in the town but this case brings her past back but luckily she has a protective police chief on her side. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can't wait for Dead Giveaway the next book in this series
January 26, 2022
I almost stopped reading with the subject matter hitting on some of my fears but this author captures your attention and I found myself fascinated by the characters, their interaction and the plot. So rather than putting this book down, I was on the last page quite satisfied before I knew it.
A perfect suspense/romance that is delightfully done and well worth reading! I definitely will read more by this author. I could picture this story as a movie or series as well. Would be a really great edge of your seat tale. With the right cast it would be a winner
A perfect suspense/romance that is delightfully done and well worth reading! I definitely will read more by this author. I could picture this story as a movie or series as well. Would be a really great edge of your seat tale. With the right cast it would be a winner
January 25, 2022
The action started from the first page and didn't slow down. Chloe left her life behind and ran away to Sheriff Easton Ford's county. Murder brought them together, will her murder tear them apart? I loved the easy flow of this story. I was reading along and before I knew it, hours had passed. Chloe is a strong woman who doesn't realize how strong she is until her life is on the line. Readers who enjoy stories with lots of suspense and a touch of romance won't want to miss Grave Danger. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2022
Wow ! Grave Danger is a real page turner and it kept me up late at night because I really wanted to know how it would end.
It’s fast paced and full of suspense and twists and turns!
Great characters and I loved the romance.
It’s the first book in the new series Defenders off Battle Mountain but can be read as a stand-alone.
So if you want to read a thrilling romantic suspense you have to read Grave Danger!
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion
It’s fast paced and full of suspense and twists and turns!
Great characters and I loved the romance.
It’s the first book in the new series Defenders off Battle Mountain but can be read as a stand-alone.
So if you want to read a thrilling romantic suspense you have to read Grave Danger!
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion
January 25, 2022
What an incredible story!!!! Nail biting suspense and mystery that will have your heart pounding! Oh and these characters are absolutely the best! I loved everything about Weston and Chloe. I’m so addicted to Nicole’s writing. I’m still in awe of how she is able to transport us readers to another world. Outstanding job! I highly recommend Grave Danger!
January 23, 2022
By the end of chapter seven I needed to catch my breath! Grave Danger is an unputdownable action packed story that sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. So much more than what you’ve come to expect from a Harlequin Intrigue mystery of the month. Weston and Chloe’s story may have wrapped up but I can’t wait for Easton’s installment. Nichole’s storytelling keeps growing by leaps and bounds and she has become one of my must read favorite authors in the last four years.
January 22, 2022
Nichole Severn knows she can write a good mystery. Her stories grab you and takes you on a ride you soon won't forget. Chloe is being targeted by the man who killed her colleague so she goes on the run. Soon she realizes that she has been found and innocent people are in danger because of her. She teams up with the local law enforcement officer and soon a dangerous adventure begins. I received this as an ARC and voluntarily give my review.
January 22, 2022
I haven't read a Harlequin book in so long and this was a fantastic story.
A serial killer, who is next and why? She's on the run, changed her name and career and yet is still found. Who is the killer and what connections does he have to locate her? Who is next to die and will she and her new friends survive?
Such an exciting tale and I had no idea of the twist. Great plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A serial killer, who is next and why? She's on the run, changed her name and career and yet is still found. Who is the killer and what connections does he have to locate her? Who is next to die and will she and her new friends survive?
Such an exciting tale and I had no idea of the twist. Great plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 20, 2022
This was an amazing book. Suspense and intrigue were at an all time high through the majority of the story. Weston and Chloe both have different pain and suffering to work through. They meet each other at a crime scene and a hellish adventure in sues. Through circumstances not of their own making and have no control over, everything falls into place after first falling apart.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC.
January 16, 2022
The story immediately jumps into Chloe fighting for her life. I figured she would be the murder victim for our main characters. But she’s our heroine and she’s struggling to understand why someone wants her dead. Lucky for her Weston Ford is the town’s only police chief/officer with a very protective streak. Severn is a wonderful writer with captivating characters and provides her murderers with creative inventive ways for a victim to die. Each book is told differently and she never follows the same pattern. It’s always a pleasure to get an early copy and I provided this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2022
This is a great start to a new series and Nichole didn't disappoint. Chole is running and hiding for her life and trying to figure out who wants her dead and why. I liked Chole and Chief Weston together. This book is full of action, drama, suspense and twists and turns. There's heartache and romance. And just when you think you have it figured out you don't. Great characters can't wait for book 2 to get Easton's story.
January 18, 2022
An amazing start to a new series, Chloe and Weston are a great couple who go through so much together! Their story is edge of your seat stuff and I did not want the book to end. What I really like about Nichole Severn's writing is that she does not sprinkle in the suspense, it's a big part of the plot and i can't wait for more in the series.
January 12, 2022
Amazing beginning of a new series! Dr. Chloe Pascale changed her name and ran from her home, her friends, and everything familiar when she barely escapes a killer who murdered one of her coworkers. She finds herself in the small town of Battle Mountain, but then when Police Chief Weston Ford finds he needs her help to solve his first murder, it brings back all she was running from.
This book is amazing with all the feels. Chloe and Weston are a wonderful H/h. Nichole's characters are real, down-to-earth people. I smiled, I loved their charisma, and I cried. I hated when the book ended. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
This book is amazing with all the feels. Chloe and Weston are a wonderful H/h. Nichole's characters are real, down-to-earth people. I smiled, I loved their charisma, and I cried. I hated when the book ended. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
January 10, 2022
Grave Danger
A Harlequin Intrigue
Nichole Severn
A whirlwind of fear and stalking. Chloe is being hunted by a killer who has made this very personal. Weston is the easy going protective town sheriff in the mountain backwater Chloe has hidden in.
This quick intrigue is edge of your seat action from the very first chapter with many twists and turns on the way to find their hea and stay alive. Believable characters and a fast paced plot make this a hard to put down read.
I look forward to Easton’s story! This is the first in a new series ‘Defenders of Battle Mountain’ but can be read as a stand-alone novel with hea as one expects from a Harlequin Intrigue.
I received an arc of this book.
4 1/2 stars
A Harlequin Intrigue
Nichole Severn
A whirlwind of fear and stalking. Chloe is being hunted by a killer who has made this very personal. Weston is the easy going protective town sheriff in the mountain backwater Chloe has hidden in.
This quick intrigue is edge of your seat action from the very first chapter with many twists and turns on the way to find their hea and stay alive. Believable characters and a fast paced plot make this a hard to put down read.
I look forward to Easton’s story! This is the first in a new series ‘Defenders of Battle Mountain’ but can be read as a stand-alone novel with hea as one expects from a Harlequin Intrigue.
I received an arc of this book.
4 1/2 stars
January 9, 2022
Edge of your seat suspense! Nichole Severn has outdone herself with the kick off to her Defenders of Battle Mountain series. GRAVE DANGER drew me in from the first page and held my attention throughout as danger came knocking time and again. The characters are easy to connect with, the plot twists are enthralling and the romance is super rewarding. I loved every minute!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little romance mixed in with a strong plot of danger and secrets as they race against time to find the bad guy.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little romance mixed in with a strong plot of danger and secrets as they race against time to find the bad guy.
December 30, 2021
Grave Danger is the 1st book in Nichole Severn's newest series Defenders of Battle Mountain. This book is action packed from the beginning to the end. The characters are great. There's so many twists, turns and surprises in the book you will not want to put it down. Chloe and Weston are so good together. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I give this 5 stars and recommend this book to a
anyone who like a lot of action in their books.
anyone who like a lot of action in their books.
December 24, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Fabulous story by an even more fabulous writer. Nichole Severn knows how to hook her readers. Halfway through the book everything seems clear and the case solved and I wondered, what the he**'ll happen during the other half of the book?!? But, don't you worry, Nichole's got you covered. Can't get enough of that writer.
February 28, 2023
This was an incredibly intense book from start to finish. It opened with our heroine, surgeon Chloe Miles, caught in the clutches of a madman determined to bury her alive, and he'd already succeeded in doing so to one of her colleagues. She is determined to live and fights her way free, but she knows he won't give up. So, she runs.
Three months later, Chloe changed her name and became the coroner in the tiny town of Battle Mountain. She's prepared to run again if necessary but likes it there. The people are friendly, know her name, and the work isn't difficult. Then she gets a call from the police chief, Weston, about a dead body, and her blood freezes. The killer she tried to escape found her, leaving this new victim as a message. Chloe is ready to run again until Weston convinces her that together they can stop him, but to do so, she must trust him.
Weston was a mine worker until the mines shut down, and he lost his job. His wife died of cancer, leaving him wallowing in grief. When the former police chief was forced to retire after a heart attack, Weston's father convinced him to take the job. Raised to put other people's needs before his own, Weston found solace in looking after the people of his town. Though he is a one-person police department with no training, he's determined to protect Chloe and stop the killer.
The action and suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages. From the moment the body is discovered, we know that Chloe is in the crosshairs of a relentless killer. As they close in on his identity, the killer widens his reach to include anyone who helps her, especially Weston and his family. A heart-wrenching loss added impetus to Weston's determination to put an end to the killer's actions. Then an unexpected twist turned everything they had learned upside down. I ached for Chloe, whose guilty feelings over the killer's actions sent her running - right into his clutches. The intensity ramped up as Chloe fought for her life again, and Weston raced to reach her in time. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over, and I could breathe a sigh of relief.
The development of the relationship between Chloe and Weston happened quickly. They'd had a good working relationship since Chloe arrived in town, but neither was looking for a relationship. Chloe knows she could have to run at any time, so starting anything wouldn't be fair to either of them. Weston loved his wife and had no intention of risking his heart again. Weston's protective instincts are aroused, and in protecting Chloe, he discovers she has found her way into his heart. Chloe also realizes she has fallen for Weston, making it impossible to leave Battle Mountain when the trouble ends.
I am intrigued by Weston's brother, Easton. A former special forces soldier, he isn't dealing well with the loss of his men during his last mission. After spending months holed up in his cabin and avoiding everyone, he emerges to help Weston. I ached for his losses and the guilt he felt. It takes some harsh words from Weston to break through the wall of grief he's built up. In the epilogue, we get a glimpse of the recovering Easton. I can't wait to read his story.
Three months later, Chloe changed her name and became the coroner in the tiny town of Battle Mountain. She's prepared to run again if necessary but likes it there. The people are friendly, know her name, and the work isn't difficult. Then she gets a call from the police chief, Weston, about a dead body, and her blood freezes. The killer she tried to escape found her, leaving this new victim as a message. Chloe is ready to run again until Weston convinces her that together they can stop him, but to do so, she must trust him.
Weston was a mine worker until the mines shut down, and he lost his job. His wife died of cancer, leaving him wallowing in grief. When the former police chief was forced to retire after a heart attack, Weston's father convinced him to take the job. Raised to put other people's needs before his own, Weston found solace in looking after the people of his town. Though he is a one-person police department with no training, he's determined to protect Chloe and stop the killer.
The action and suspense of this story kept me glued to the pages. From the moment the body is discovered, we know that Chloe is in the crosshairs of a relentless killer. As they close in on his identity, the killer widens his reach to include anyone who helps her, especially Weston and his family. A heart-wrenching loss added impetus to Weston's determination to put an end to the killer's actions. Then an unexpected twist turned everything they had learned upside down. I ached for Chloe, whose guilty feelings over the killer's actions sent her running - right into his clutches. The intensity ramped up as Chloe fought for her life again, and Weston raced to reach her in time. The final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over, and I could breathe a sigh of relief.
The development of the relationship between Chloe and Weston happened quickly. They'd had a good working relationship since Chloe arrived in town, but neither was looking for a relationship. Chloe knows she could have to run at any time, so starting anything wouldn't be fair to either of them. Weston loved his wife and had no intention of risking his heart again. Weston's protective instincts are aroused, and in protecting Chloe, he discovers she has found her way into his heart. Chloe also realizes she has fallen for Weston, making it impossible to leave Battle Mountain when the trouble ends.
I am intrigued by Weston's brother, Easton. A former special forces soldier, he isn't dealing well with the loss of his men during his last mission. After spending months holed up in his cabin and avoiding everyone, he emerges to help Weston. I ached for his losses and the guilt he felt. It takes some harsh words from Weston to break through the wall of grief he's built up. In the epilogue, we get a glimpse of the recovering Easton. I can't wait to read his story.
November 9, 2025
It's easy for some to be dismissive of romantic thrillers, but any book that begins with a killer attempting to bury a woman alive in an old refrigerator has my attention, dang it! And author Nichole Severn doesn't really let up the pace at any point after this, which is a testament to her writing skills as she weaves the narrative of surgeon Chloe Miles, who escapes the killer in a chilling opening chapter and goes on the run, starting a new life in a small town.
But she might have changed her name, she might have changed her location, she might even have forged a diploma, but she didn't really escape from the killer's attention. He makes that abundantly clear when another body turns up in another refrigerator, and the good doctor must work with the conveniently hunky and tragically widowed town police chief to solve the murder.
It's like a made-for-cable thriller, because nothing too horrific happens, the romance is clean and has good chemistry, and maybe it's a touch safe, but the twists pile on, the action keeps on coming, and the revelations never feel forced. Even when there's a third act rug pull, it manages to feel very natural, albeit not told in any way the reader could have easily surmised beforehand.
The romance stuff (it's a Harlequin Intrigue) is handled with aplomb. Actually, aside from her tenacious ability to skirt death, Chloe isn't given a lot of character depth, while her handsome police chief, Weston (who has a brother named Easton, I am not making this up), has a lot of detail and time to shine. No smutty bits, but the will-they-won't-they is mercifully kept short because, duh, they will.
There's a bit of "family and home" rhetoric but handled innocuously enough.
It's short, it's exciting, there's a pleasant romance, and a great setting. Easy reading to enjoy when you want a bit of edge but nothing too dark.
But she might have changed her name, she might have changed her location, she might even have forged a diploma, but she didn't really escape from the killer's attention. He makes that abundantly clear when another body turns up in another refrigerator, and the good doctor must work with the conveniently hunky and tragically widowed town police chief to solve the murder.
It's like a made-for-cable thriller, because nothing too horrific happens, the romance is clean and has good chemistry, and maybe it's a touch safe, but the twists pile on, the action keeps on coming, and the revelations never feel forced. Even when there's a third act rug pull, it manages to feel very natural, albeit not told in any way the reader could have easily surmised beforehand.
The romance stuff (it's a Harlequin Intrigue) is handled with aplomb. Actually, aside from her tenacious ability to skirt death, Chloe isn't given a lot of character depth, while her handsome police chief, Weston (who has a brother named Easton, I am not making this up), has a lot of detail and time to shine. No smutty bits, but the will-they-won't-they is mercifully kept short because, duh, they will.
There's a bit of "family and home" rhetoric but handled innocuously enough.
It's short, it's exciting, there's a pleasant romance, and a great setting. Easy reading to enjoy when you want a bit of edge but nothing too dark.
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