Collateral Damage

Author: Lynette Eason
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Danger Never Sleeps #1
Release Date: January 7, 2020

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

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Reviewer: Gee Dixon

Collateral Damage was an awesome read. It was full of Lynette Eason’s twists and turns. 

At times it was harder to read, as I was reading the manuscript. The book was way too large for a lap. So sitting at a table all the time was hard to do after back surgery. But it was inspirational and an excellent read.

I was sent this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews and Reviews.

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Reviewer: Jill Jones

If any author is going to keep you up past midnight to finish a book, Lynette Eason is that author and is one of the best. 

Her newest series, Danger Never Sleeps, begins with Collateral Damage, featuring Brooke Adams, a former military psychiatrist, and Asher James, a former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class. Both are battling PTSD from their tours in Afghanistan. They have stumbled into a situation linking their time in the military with their careers at home.

From the characters’ names to character development, Eason satisfies. The believable characters and credible plot, along with the impressive research to get all of her military and legal situations, Eason does a fantastic job with Collateral Damage. From the first dead body to the discovery of the truth, you will find yourself on the edge of your reading nook. Eason will keep you reading to get to the conclusion of this thrilling adventure.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, through Interviews and Reviews, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Reviewer: Abigail Harder

Oh, my lanta....this book was intense. I loved it so much. I love Mrs. Eason’s writing. She is the queen of Christian suspense.

I loved that this book was centered around two recent Army veterans. I loved that aspect of this book. It was amazing.

Brooke was a relatable, lovable, and compassionate psychologist that I loved seeing grow throughout this book. Her character development was beautiful, and I really enjoyed reading her story.

Asher was also amazing. I loved how real he was and how perfect he was for Brooke. Mrs. Eason did a fabulous job with his character and combining both disabilities like PTSD and his abilities that he learned throughout his Army career. They probably would not have gotten as far as they had without his and her skills.

The villain shocked me, and I literally was ranting - without spoiling anything - to my mom in the car. They were so deceptive and so evil. I honestly loved how Mrs. Eason created this villain. Their reveal left me in shock, and it was fabulous! I had a huge love-hate relationship with this villain only because their whole villain development was so beautifully written.

The suspense and the plot as to die for. I read this while we were on a 3-hour drive, and it took everything in me not to gasp aloud. The plot twists had me baffled and sometimes furious. I was definitely getting a few odd looks from my family with my random rant bursts that were spoiler-free because of my mom.

I loved the incorporation of Christianity in this book. It was perfect, especially in the parts that Mrs. Eason places them in.

This book was amazing, and I cannot wait for book 2! Mrs. Eason has confirmed yet again why she is my favorite suspense author!

I received this book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

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Reviewer: Wendy Holley

Brooke Adams and Asher James make it out of Afghanistan alive, but once state-side, they are hunted down by an enemy they don’t know. Asher came to Brooke for help but found himself helping Brooke stay alive. As each character deals with their own PTSD, they find healing and hope in their newfound relationship.

When FBI agent Caden Denning investigates a mass grave that leads him to an orphanage in Afghanistan, a thin thread appears to weave the two stories together. Making this book hard to put down.

With danger lurking around every closed door and the clock ticking down, I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what was happening, who was responsible, and how were they going to stop it.

Lynette Eason does a wonderful job of showing the struggles of PTSD while keeping the characters real and relatable. Asher deals with his own demons of self-worth and purpose as Brooke deals with hers. The character’s past is expertly woven in through the tapestry of the story.

I was left satisfied with the ending, although a bit more detail in the last scene may have helped flesh it out. I’m sure that is more due to the editor’s pen and not the writer’s ability as Miss Eason did a marvelous job in placing the reader in each scene. This is the first novel I’ve read of Lynette Eason, and I am now a fan.

Miss Eason has shined a light into a dark corner that I can’t help but ask if there some truth to the story.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

One of my very favorite suspense authors, Lynette Eason, has started an incredible new series: Danger Never Sleeps.

The content of Collateral Damage is quite current and full of excitement, intrigue, and heroes to be envied. 

The series tells about a team of friends and acquaintances who are brought together by various crimes. This book focuses on former Army members Asher James, now an FBI agent and Brooke Adams, now a psychiatrist in private practice. The book starts with a scene of how they are connected. It proceeds with a new connection after they have left the military behind.

As always, Ms. Eason’s research is impeccable, and the story comes together after she has you wrapped up in the circumstances, wondering how such things could happen.

A thoroughly enjoyable start to a new series that promises more romance and danger around every corner. While the focus is on crimes and suspense, Ms. Eason threads faith into the story and shows how her characters rely on God in their trying times.

A copy of this book was provided by the Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"They were just collateral damage in a stupid war . . . "

Following a traumatic incident in Kabul, Afghanistan, military psychiatrist Brooke Adams, and Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James both return to civilian life. Unfortunately, they left behind more questions than answers, for the one person who could have answered most of them didn't survive a brazen act of terrorism. Brooke came home with a keepsake bracelet for a grief-stricken wife, and Asher came home to sleepless nights. However, when their paths cross again, it appears that another battle is going to be fought on their home turf; the release of evocative photographs from a bombing scene aftermath sets off a puzzling series of attempts on Brooke's life.

As Brooke and Asher find themselves swept up in all the things that they don't understand, they become more than grateful for the unique support they can give each other. If the two former soldiers could pause long enough to examine those feelings, they might even classify them as an attraction. But until they discover how the events that they left behind on the battlefield are generating their current circumstances, there's no time to spare, for "danger never sleeps."

"Collateral Damage" proves to be both a fascinating and mildly complicated suspense. Displaying the author's ability to position the past and present, the near and far, the known and unknown just outside the reach of her readers and characters, using every page to inch towards a climax that no one could have possibly foreseen.

I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Camille Murray

The plot was good and complicated enough to keep interest high. The writing was professional, and the pacing was pretty good. I liked how there were a lot of different characters on different fronts, not just two or three.
 
That said, the main characters didn’t rise much above the supporting cast. They seemed real enough, but lacked much emotional pull, and didn’t have a whole lot of character arc.
 
Overall, the book was enjoyable while I was reading it, but not enough to induce me to check out the rest of the series.

This book was provided by Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Monica Huyser

Adventure, danger and a dash of romance make for one exciting new novel by Lynette Eason. Collateral Damage kept me guessing and turning pages quickly throughout this story.

Collateral Damage starts out with a bang literally as several characters are either hit by a bomb or were there when the bombing took place. Eason reveals more about the bombing and a corrupt system through the plot in layers like an onion. I got just enough to keep me turning pages before she revealed a little more information which kept me quickly turning more pages. I am sure I audibly gasped at one point because something happened that I just didn't see coming--although in retrospect there had been a little foreshadowing. Much of the book kept me guessing until the end.

The characters were all interesting. I truly liked the main couple, Brooke and Asher. Watching their romance blossom left me smiling and I giggled a few times at the humor Eason included in the couple's banter. The unsavory characters I just plain didn't like right up until the end with good reason. There are quite a few characters in this book, but for the most part I kept up with them, although there were a couple times I had to look back to be reminded how they came into the picture. Otherwise, I found Collateral Damage to be compelling and suspenseful.

There are some violent acts within the plot by the bad guys who do some evil things, but the book has a Christian message and the language is clean. At the end of Collateral Damage, I read the sneak peek of the second book in the Danger Never Sleeps series and truly wish I could keep going in the series as it leaves me wanting more.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing group, Revell division, through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish
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Do you ever find yourself "shouting" at the characters throughout the book? I did so many times, and I gasped out loud in certain places too! My husband asked me several times if I was ok and I said yes!! Of course, he just shook his head. 

I also want to discuss the cover of the book, which is definitely eye-catching. I said to myself I wonder why Brooke is looking over her shoulder with a fearful look? Well, after reading this wonderful book, I now know why. This book is just awesome!

I spent a wonderful evening while everyone was asleep to finish this pre-Arc copy. And you know what? It's hard to start another book after reading this one.

I absolutely loved this book! So many twists and turns that I was a hanging and holding my breath to see what happens next. I love this author's style of writing. Just fabulous, and I love her characters. They are real, and I felt like I was watching an action/adventure movie. I could feel their emotions and fear coming out from the pages of the book. 

I think from now on, I will try not to miss this author's books. She's truly awesome. This is an author who knows her stuff. There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't like.

I think the character I most felt sorry for was Asher. The things he must have seen and done; well, sometimes we don't have a choice when we serve. While I can't imagine what it was like, I do have an appreciation for those that do. PTSD is a very real and serious condition. The author covers this subject very well. 

I found myself praying for Asher and even Brooke. I fell in love with them because of their strength, determination to help others even though it put them in danger themselves. I enjoyed all the supporting characters, as well. They were remarkable. 

I highly recommend this book. You won't want to put it down, and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next novel. This is the first in a brand new series!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing, Revell Division through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Caroline Star

I loved this book! First let's talk about the title and cover... Collateral Damage is such a cool title. I've always loved the word collateral because it sounds so cool and I love that it's part of a title of one of Eason's books. And the different colors and design of the cover is stunning! This is the first time I've gotten a spiral-bound 8" by 11" ARC and it was lovely reading it.

I finished this book in less than three hours and read it in one sitting. It's been rare recently for me to enjoy a book to that extent (where it'll keep me reading for hours), and I think part of what made that happen for me was that I was expecting a gem from Eason and got one. Lynette Eason is absolutely amazing at getting a reader's heart racing with her masterful way of writing intense scenes, but also calming down the reader during the sweet and slow moments.

Collateral Damage features main characters former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams and Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James. From the moment I met Brooke, I couldn't help but be drawn into how relatable her character is to mine. Her personality is extremely to mine, down to the sarcasm, and that made it all the more amazing to read this book. I also really enjoyed how even though Brooke and Asher had a really rough past respectively, they got past it in order to help and serve and love each other, especially with Brooke helping Asher deal with his PTSD and vice versa. I found that super sweet. I also found a favorite character in Sarah, Caden's* sister, and the part she played in the book; I really respected how much she had a heart for the children in the orphanage she was serving.

*And if there happens to be a book featuring Caden, I'd snap that up and read it in a second! I loved the glimpse we got of Caden's character and would love to read more about him.

There were so many characters and side plots going on that if I was thrown into the rough of it, I'd be completely muddled and would probably stop reading, but Eason did an absolutely superb job of leading the reader into it and I didn't find myself getting confused at all with which character was which.

Overall, Lynette Eason spins an amazingly well-written suspense and lovable characters that I think any thriller / suspense reader would love. 

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.

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