Lynn
Written on Mar 8, 2016
All Dane intended was a quick visit to the volatile Columbian jungle to check up on his little sister Jenny. Since the death of her husband, her work protecting and educating at-risk children has taken her to many dangerous places. San Stefano is no exception. On arrival, Dane is alerted to trouble and sets off to find his sister's missing friend. It wasn't part of his plan; he prefers a quieter life nowadays, and it isn't long before circumstances require him to name drop “Simon Dunn” to talk himself out of a tricky corner with a Columbian drug baron! All for a woman!
Trista Patterson, a socialite who trained as a police officer much to the disapproval of her parents, moved away from her privileged upbringing to help at-risk children in rural Columbia. After a raid on the village where she works, she allows herself to be taken hostage to save the life of a young teenage girl. Her training serves her well as she successfully defends herself against her two captors but then has to somehow make her way back to the village and her colleague Jenny Bloom. Whilst hiding out, she's surprised that someone is out looking to rescue her. A feat which proves to have life long consequences attached to it.
The plot moves effortlessly along as the two protagonists are thrown together courtesy of a quick thinking decision Dane makes on behalf of Trista. Now enter Simon Dunn, who's not happy about getting involved in his friend's “problems,” But ever the opportunist, the “rough around the edges” tough guy seizes the opportunity to manipulate the situation to further his own gains. He has plans for Dane O' Brien...if only he'd listen and accept!
Ms. Forand's writing is impeccable as always as she leads on a journey from South America to rural England and back again. The plot twists as the protagonists struggle to understand each others motivations due to misunderstanding and false presumption...all whilst Simon Dunn plays them both to his advantage. Thus, the suspense is the strongest link in True Peril, while Dane and Trista's relationship is secondary resulting in a lower than a 5-star rating.
This Third book in the True Lies Series and can be read as a standalone, although I highly recommend reading Untrue Colors and True Deceptions to gain a greater character insight into Dane, Simon and Cassie. There is a more than welcome cameo from Henry and Alex too. Ms. Forand is one of my go-to authors and that status isn't going to change any-time soon.
4 Stars
***arc generously received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley***