Critical Alliance

Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Genre: Romantic Mystery/Suspense
Series: Rocky Mountain Courage #3
Release Date: July 5, 2022

She's seeking answers. He's seeking respite.
The past is seeking both of them.

Mackenzie Hanson's special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father's tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and protect her father's company.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he's trying to relax, he's drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common--a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

When the situation turns deadly, Alex and Mackenzie will have to work together to find the answers they need--before someone silences Mackenzie for good.

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Reviewer:  Susan  Poll

Another fast-paced, entertaining suspense story from this author. Loaded with computer tech and cybercriminal activity, which we all know is already rampant in our world.

It nails the danger right away and keeps it going the whole time. There are the classic times I wanted to yell at Mackenzie and Alex to look out or turn around and don’t go in there. It keeps you on your toes! I love books that keep me guessing and page-turning. This story does just that. Highly recommend!

A review copy was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Marie Edwards

Where some series books can act as a standalone – this series is best read from the first book to the last. The first two books establish the connection between the characters and events. The characters from the first two books play a major part in this. This book also concludes the vandalism storyline from the first two books.  
 
Goddard kept the suspense, motives, and suspects until almost the end.  
 
I ended up reading this in five hours. It grabbed me and carried me right through, making it hard to put down. The writer kept the pacing fast but not rushed. There were plenty of suspects to keep an edge on the suspense as well. 
 
Despite enjoying this as much as I did, there were several “plot holes” and unanswered questions I had. These don’t make it a bad book but hold it back. 
 
There is a heavy scene on the “acronyms,” mostly due to law enforcement. Some explanations could’ve likely been in a glossary at the end. I have watched a lot of law enforcement and military shows, so I am aware of the acronyms. It is almost like a second language for me.  
 
Having also watched the movie U.S. Marshals (1998), I am familiar with DSS (Diplomatic Security Service), which isn’t an “obscure” agency.  
 
There is a moment that is heavy on the tech speak. Thankfully, the scenes were short. This didn’t hinder the story too much and is easily passed over.  
 
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. Even with the issues, this did not disappoint.  
 
Those who enjoy action-packed, high-tension, dramatic, suspenseful stories with a touch of romance are sure to enjoy this. Fans of the author are sure to enjoy it as well. I am looking forward to her future work. 
 
Revell is a primarily Christian/faith-themed publisher, so there are references to faith and God. The references are not integral to the storyline.

Thank you to Revell for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews and Reviews and the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required or requested; all words are my own.  

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Reviewer: Susan Feaster

Critical Alliance, the third in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, is fast-paced and intense. A suspicious death, gunshots, a cryptic note warning of danger - just a few of the reasons it was hard to put this one down!

The main characters are McKenzie Hanson, a professor of cyber security, and Alex Night, a member of the Diplomatic Security Corps. They had met briefly some years ago and now find themselves working together. Each of them has some issues in their past that they have come back to Montana to resolve. However, they must face a complex mystery and lethal threats as they work to protect McKenzie.

Elizabeth Goddard is an excellent storyteller, and this is no exception. Although it is the third in the series, it can easily be read on its own. The characters are interesting, the storyline fast-paced and intense, and cybercrime adds an exciting element, making it almost as though it were pulled off the pages of today’s newspaper.

Elizabeth Goddard has mastered the art of Christian Romantic Suspense. The suspense is intense. A gentle thread of faith is woven throughout, although the romance balances the intensity.

A powerful storyline, well written, with interesting characters and an intensity that makes it hard to put this one down. Definitely 5 stars from me!

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through Net Galley and Interviews & Reviews, with no obligation for a positive review. The opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

Elizabeth Goddard utilizes her pen like a weaver designs a tapestry. Every stitch intricately connects to the next to form a perfect picture—telling a story that transcends mere words.

Critical Alliance is just such a book. From the beginning, I was drawn into the lives of Alex and Mackenzie, totally invested in the outcome of threats against Mackenzie’s life and family tech business, as well as the mutual attraction between them.

It was full of nonstop action from beginning to end, and multiple suspects kept me on my toes. A totally “unputdownable” book that kept me up late into the night. 

I like the thread of faith in the characters’ lives and highly recommend this book.

I received a copy through NetGalley courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This is my honest opinion.

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