Mojave Rescue

Author: Tanya Stowe
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Romance

Electronics engineer Drina Gallagher has created a powerful weapon that will protect soldiers’ lives—and it’s put her own at risk. Kidnapped and locked in a desert shack, she’s desperate to stop her plans from getting into enemy hands, but whom can she trust? Especially when the expert who rescues her isn’t what he seems. Forced to blow his cover after spending two years infiltrating a black market ring, CIA agent Cal Norwood blames Drina’s recklessness though he admires her 

courage. And while his mountain cabin provides temporary refuge, protecting Drina means—outwitting and defeating—a relentless foe determined to have the weapon at any cost.

Reviewer: Mindy Houng

"I'm saying that there's a difference between shame and guilt. Shame is God's tool. He uses it to make us uncomfortable, to make us examine what we've done. It shows us where we've made missteps, and how to bring those steps to the light and get back on the right path. Guilt is the tool of evil. Guilt makes hide things. Drives us to make mistakes, pushes us to make choices we would never make if not for the guilt."

The above is just one of the great insights scattered throughout this book. This is the first book from Tanya Stowe that I have read and I am quite pleased to say that I've found another great author in the Love Inspired Suspense line. I will surely be following her future publications. Anyone who loves contemporary romantic suspense will thoroughly enjoy this book.

The book is well-written with a fast-moving plot and detailed characters. The thread of faith is actually a strong current in the book, and Cal does well to explain what a personal relationship with God looks like. I found the premise of the plot really interesting since I know nothing about cybersecurity or military arms development.

Cal is an undercover CIA operative who's worked for over two years to infiltrate an illegal arms dealer stealing military weapons. Drina is an extremely talented software developer working on a high-security non-lethal military weapon. Trouble brews when Drina finally finishes ironing out the problems in the software; someone wants her program but wants her dead. Cal gets involved when he tracks down the kidnapped Drina but has to blow his cover. Death threats and car chases and gunshots follow everywhere they go.....and their sweet romance blossoms slowly as they spend time together.

Cal is a loyal, resourceful, dedicated CIA agent who loves good music and food. His faith carries him daily and is the reason for the work that he does. Drina is a computer and numbers geek, hiding away from her past hurt and pain, driven by her work and for her work. She has been raised as an atheist, and her past cannot let her reconcile with a loving and all-knowing God. Cal explains, "Faith is a lot like the way you described falling in love. First, you have to make a conscious decision, a mental effort. You have to choose God. That opens the door. He takes care of the rest, and the heart follows." I found this perspective thought-provoking.

The suspense aspect of the story is quite palpable, and the "bad guy" who was revealed at the end of the story surprised me. Quite a thrill ride.

I received the book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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