Lynette Eason is an amazing author. She is able to take really dark subject matter (i.e., trafficking, serial killing) and show you the horror and danger in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling freaked out or consumed by the evil. She reminds you that there are people who are tirelessly working to bring an end to such atrocities.

As the series title suggests, “danger never sleeps” in this book. It hunts Brooke down relentlessly before she even knows why she’s a target. She was an interesting character. I liked her and her valuable contributions to the case. I especially appreciated that she and Asher didn’t immediately jump into a romance. Things seemed to go at a believable pace.

I liked how this book crossed military and civilian life. It was very exciting and I found it hard to put down. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the series.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book in a new series and I will be watching for the next book in this series. Both characters have mental health issues from military service and the author handles this gently and with tact. This book has lots of twists and turns and grabs your interest from the start another great read by this author

Lynette Eason is one of my favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint in her new book Collateral Damage. The main character is a psychiatrist named Brooke Adams. She was involved in an explosion in Afghanistan and one of her patients slipped her a bracelet before he died of his wounds. She doesn't know why the bracelet is important, but someone is after it. She teams up with Asher James, a former special operator who is attracted to her. Together, they must figure out the bracelet's significance and stay alive.

I really liked this book. It held my attention from the first page. Eason has the perfect blend of danger, romance, Christianity, and suspense.

Collateral Damage was my first experience with a Lynette Eason novel. I'd been having her books recommended to me for years, since I'm a fan of other Christian suspense authors, and everyone seemed to suspect that I'd end up enjoying her books as well. However, even with expecting great things I think I was still unprepared for how eye opening and jaw dropping this story was going to be. It's an action packed, nail biter from the very opening chapter right through the conclusion of the story, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time as I tried to piece the complex story together.

The story follows a former military psychologist named Brooke who received honorary discharge after a bombing almost claimed her life. When a tragic murder occurs in her office, she comes into contact with a former military officer named Asher, who believes she may have been the intended target of the murder. As more and more attacks on Brooke and Asher keep happening, they begin to realize they've only tipped the surface of the dastardly plot that's starting to unravel around them. As they start to work with FBI Agents, military reporters, and military agents, they'll be shocked to the core as more and more details start to reveal themselves.

I'm often not personally a fan of stories that include many different characters and their various points of view, as I find that too often it can get confusing to the reader. While Collateral Damage includes a large cast of characters, I was really impressed with how well the author introduces each one and sets up their corresponding stories, as it keeps things organized and easy for the reader to follow. All of the interconnected stories keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and all weave together flawlessly in ways that one would never be able to suspect. The plot is also extremely fast paced, and I thought this worked well with the numerous stories unfolding throughout.

While this story ended up being a lot darker, with a more sinister plot than I was first expecting, I really appreciated the way that the themes of darkness and deceit are counterbalanced with a message of faith and light that will always shine through the darkness, no matter the circumstances. It was a really authentic representation of John 1:5, and will definitely have every reader thinking about the faith element.

Brooke and Asher were both characters I really enjoyed reading about, and I thought they brought out the best in each other. They'll stop at nothing to see justice served, and both showcase countless examples of courage and selflessness throughout the course of the story.

I loved this story, and the only complaint I had is that I had pinpointed one of the evil masterminds a little too early in the story for my liking, but other than that it was an amazing read, and I already can't wait to read the next installment in the series.

I think it's a perfect choice for fans of other Christian suspense authors like Dani Pettrey, Colleen Coble or Natalie Walters.


Final Rating: 4/5

Thanks so much to Revell and NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of this title to read and review!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

COLLATERAL..DAMAGE. ..Lynette Eason
Sergeant James was told to bring Michael in, by his Captain...Having proof he is a traitor and having sold information to the jihadist. James and his team didn’t believe it and didn’t want to do it, but orders had to be followed. Explosion, and his men rolled from the vehicle, they were ambushed. Military Psychologist Captain Adams six months almost up she was ready to go home, feeling drained. Meeting the girls she worked with,at a café, when an explosion happened . Knocked to the floor, then a man landed on her. Telling her he didn’t know , giving her an item to keep safe, it was Michael, and badly injured. He missed his appointment with her, would that have kept him safe. Returning home Brooke has her own battles to work thru. When her boss, as a counselor to see a certain client, that’s unable to sleep. It was Asher James, together with the pieces that happened in Afghanistan. They find murder and a different target now. A new series and a good one, it starts with a strong punch, and lives lost. What is going on, with a little romance, one turns the pages faster to get clues. Great beginning to this new series. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Montlake.

The start of a new series, Danger Never Sleeps proves to be an exciting series with Collateral Damage. The mystery slowly untangles as Army psychiatric, Brooke Adams is targeted in an assassination attempt. Will former Special Ops Asher James be able to connect the dots that lead from Afghanistan to South Carolina in this fast paced military adventure? Likeable characters! Very enjoyable!

3.5 stars.
“Collateral Damage”, by Lynette Eason (Revell), is a suspenseful story with lots of twists and turns working out nicely, strange coincidences that somehow finally make sense and likable characters.
The hero and heroine are dealing with mental health issues related to their traumatic war experiences and that brings depth to the story; their romance has a great deal of friendship, closeness and empathy due to those shared experiences (“facing death together would probably intensify feelings”).
Asher, and his “courageous heart”, and Brooke’s compassion and willingness to help other make them relatable characters, although the romance takes a backseat in the story.
A lot of other interesting characters are introduced, some of them – I expect – will feature in future stories.

Collateral Damage, the first installment in award winning author Lynette Eason’s new Danger Never Sleeps series, is an action-packed romantic suspense novel filled with danger, corruption, and murder that will have the readers guessing until the very end.

Former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams and former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James both return home to the States after a dangerous stint in Afghanistan. Their time in Afghanistan seems linked to threats on Brooke’s life now that she has returned home, and Asher and Brooke must work together to find answers before more innocent lives are lost.

Lynette Eason is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. She consistently creates compelling stories that leave the readers filled with hope despite the evil that exists in this world. She weaves the spiritual thread into the storyline and shares the message that everyone is created for a reason and has purpose in this life. Lynette Eason realistically portrays the effects of PTSD and the difficulties that members of the military face when reacclimating to civilian life. The romantic pairing of Brooke and Asher was very enjoyable to read. I can’t wait to read Acceptable Risk, the second book in the series.

Collateral Damage is highly recommended for readers of romantic suspense, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Dani Pettrey, Lynn H. Blackburn, Rachel Dylan, and Irene Hannon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Lynette Eason kicks off a new series with Collateral Damage and she does indeed kick it off well! I am looking forward to what the next book brings already.

Brooke Adams, former military psychiatrist has come stateside and set up an office hoping to help others. But she is fighting some pretty serious battles herself, even though she is no longer military. Brooke struggles with occasional PTSD and has made a rule to never treat a veteran. Then she walks in on a dead body in her office one morning and a veteran, former Spec Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James is there, having found the body. Asher has finally decided to get help for his own PTSD and has arrived for his appointment. Soon it becomes clear that Brooke is the target of the killer and she and Asher are racing to find what is going on. Asher knows this is just what he wants to stay away from but he vows to protect Brooke at all costs.

The ensuing events lead both Brooke and Asher to realize that way more is going on that they both at first suspected. There is a huge, international crime in the background and it's up to them to try and stop it, while hopefully staying alive at the same time.

Eason has done an admirable job here, blending several incidents into one story. I was captivated from the very first. And there is a great cast of secondary characters that I hope find their story in future books in the series. Honestly, there is so much to love about this story. Eason carries the reader along on a high octane filled journey of intrigue and heinous crimes and is sure to please all suspense fans. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Brooke Adams, former military psychiatrist, has left the military after nearly being killed by a bomb blast. She is now in private practice when she meets former Army Special Ops Sergeant Asher James. He has an appointment at her office but arrives to find the receptionist has been murdered. After pictures of Brooke are posted as she comforts a dying soldier, Asher knows that Brooke was the original target. Brooke’s house is searched, but she has no idea what the enemy is looking for. She and Asher team up with FBI Special Agent Caden Denning whose sister, Sarah, was stationed in Afghanistan with Brooke. Sarah is currently investigating strange happenings at a Afghan orphanage. Ms. Eason blends the three storylines of this amazing book and brings them together in a most suspenseful and satisfying ending. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason is the first book in her new series. The plot line reminds me a lot of a Ronie Kendig novel with all the military members and procedures but still carries the dramatic flair Eason is known for. The suspense keeps the readers guessing to the end. At first, I was a little confused with the subplot because it really had nothing to do with the current action, but keep with it. As the story progresses, Eason does a wonderful job at tying the two stories together. The characters of Asher and Brooke are a wonderful introduction to the beginning of a unique cast of characters. I really enjoyed how Brooke has been done before, but I really liked how Eason made her an ex-soldier herself so she could empathize with the soldiers as she tried to help them with their PSTD. Of course, Eason includes a romantic thread between the characters. It wasn't too overbearing, but there were moments where the romance peak its head. Overall, Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason was a thrilling glance into the world of soldiers with plenty of suspenseful moments and a hint of romance. I really can't wait to read her next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.