Member Reviews
Deputy US Marshal Madison James is facing her first day back at work after a twelve week recuperation from a gun shot. She is sure the shooter is the same person who murdered her husband five years ago. The problem is that she has no recollection of who that person is. Her partner, Deputy US Marshal, Jonas Quinn, isn't sure she's ready to return, but agrees when she insists she is ready. Immediately they are thrown into a bank robbery case with hostages. While this is a story about catching criminals, there is much more to it. Jonas, too, has a tragedy in his past and, unexpectedly, he relives it in the present. Both Madison and Jonas have built walls around their hearts. Can they continue to work together even though these walls might be beginning to crumble?
The story spans a relatively short period of time. Nonetheless, the narrative is packed with sharp, dynamic action scenes and tension. The protagonists track the criminals who manage to stay just one step ahead of them. The frustration rises, but Madison and Jonas remain focused in spite of their feelings for each other. The author skillfully details how they approach the case.
I found this to be a well told story that focuses on how quickly life can change. It is a suspenseful story with threads of romance. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this story are my own.
This is book two in the US Marshals trilogy. US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn come back together to search out bank robbers that are robbing not for the money but for the thrill. Madison has been recovering from a gun shot wound for three months by an unknown assailant but is ready to get back into action. They both find themselves at a bank robbery already in progress. The action starts here and never lets up. The author writes in such a way that your own adrenaline speeds up and you feel like you are actually there! It was a wild ride for me and I enjoyed every word, every sentence. I’m looking forward to book three because there are issues that Madison needs to get answers for and also define her relationship with Jonas outside of work.
If you have never read a book by Lisa Harris you need to get started now and see if she turns into one of your favorite authors as she is mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Lisa Harris at her best! What an amazing follow-up to The Escape. The pages couldn't turn fast enough as the excitement and danger mounted. The story starts a short time after the finish of the first, giving the reader a feeling of picking up the story where you left it off. It is like a brief break from a good friend and being able to start talking like no time has passed at all. Jonas has been working cases while he waits for Madison to recover from her gunshot wound. Questions regarding the shooting are still swirling and Madison would like nothing more to get back to work and quiet the questions, if only for a few hours. Finally, the day has arrived and Madison's first day back begins with a bang. There has been a string of robberies and they have just struck again. Only this time the robbers didn't make a clean get away. Now it is up to Jonas and Madison to track them down and bring them in, all while keeping everyone safe. The stakes have never been higher, as Jonas has to examine his feelings and where they may or may not be heading. They need to keep a level, and clear, head in order to catch up to their thieves. Jumping from different buildings to different cities and countries, these thieves are running on adrenaline and the thrill of the chase. Madison and Jonas must rely on their skills and each other in order to get ahead and stop them.
Lisa Harris further develops her characters, giving the reader insight into the inner workings of Jonas, Madison and her family.. I feel like I know them on a deeper level after this novel Their struggles are real and have given me insight into what God asks of us. I can't wait for the next installment of this story, I know it will brim with action, adrenaline pumping excitement, and another visit with characters that feel like friends. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Madison James and Jonas Quinn are at it again. Madison is struggling to deal with her father’s diagnosis, her trauma induced amnesia, and getting back to work after being shot. On the first day back a bank robbery in progress goes south and the Chase is on. In the midst of it all feelings emerge and they have to decide what if anything they’re going to do with those.
Lisa Harris takes readers on an adventure as we travel the streets of Seattle and explore the San Juan Islands.
As with any story there are things I liked and things I would have liked to have seen go a little deeper. There are some things that seem to be repeated at random places and it just didn’t feel like it flowed as smoothly as it usually does. But all in all I liked this second installment of the US Marshals series. I’m a Lisa Harris fan so I know to keep reading to find out more!
Thanks Revell for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.
Another great read from Lisa Harris.
There is the build up that explains a little bit about why the main characters Jonas and Madison are where they are, and then gets back into the action. I thought the story was good, and whilst at first seeming to sound similar to the film Point Break, i.e. adrenaline seeking everyday worker robs banks to get the thrills, it evolves into the catch them if you can story that it sets out to be.
There are some good elements of suspense and thrills, with the necessary bursts of action that you expect from this type of novel. Whilst I thought the third act seemed to close off quicker than I thought, it then led to some further character development that would have seemed out of place at any other point in the book.
A great read for fans of action and thrills, I would recommend it.
I was provided a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for my honest review.
The Chase is book two of the US Marshals series and I would definitely recommend reading book one, The Escape, first because this book is a continuation of that story. The story starts about twelve weeks after the events of the first book and Madison James is excited to finally be able to return to work (she was recovering from a gunshot wound); however, she wasn't expecting to be called to assist with a bank robbery which has also become a hostage situation. Madison and her partner, Deputy US Marshal Jonas Quinn are able to get into the bank undetected, but that's where things start to go wrong. After a diversion allows the robbers to escape, Jonas and Madison must race against the clock to locate all four of the robbers... before they disappear for good. I have been waiting for this book for almost a year and I was not disappointed! This book is filled with so much action and suspense that it was almost impossible to put down. Seriously, I had no idea that a chase could contain so many twists and turns! I love that Lisa Harris continued the story of Madison and Jonas and I was amazed at how much both of them grew by the end of the story. Another part that stuck out to me was how Jonas was living with the guilt of his past, when his former partner didn't hold it against him. I love that he was able to reconcile things with his partner, but was also heartbroken by what happened to her. Overall this book did a great job reminding me of why I love reading Lisa Harris's books and although it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster, I would recomend this book to anyone who likes Romantic Suspense. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Special thanks to Lisa Harris, Revell and NetGalley for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.
I loved this! What a great follow up to the first book!
I liked the plot of the case in this book, it's simple and pretty straight forward but left enough out there to create a good chase. I also loved that if you read the last book then this one built on it, but if you didn't it's stands on its own. I thought they did an especially good job of giving you some tidbits of backstory with a long and obvious rehash. The story is just really well written, moves quickly, and keeps you reading.
My favorite thing about these books though are the characters. This pair reminds me so much of Mulder & Scully, and I love that the author continues to write it (almost) exclusively as a plutonic situation publicly while something deeper clearly simmers below the surface. It's so refreshing to read a slow-build relationship instead of these big whirlwind romances that most detective novels go with. That being said, I did find one or two of the conversations a little cheesy.
Overall awesome, I can't wait for the next installment!
It was a real pleasure to be first introduced to Jonas and Madison in a scene that highlighted how comfortable they are with each other and the fact that their friendship runs deep. The fact that Jonas has come every day since she was shot to help her spoke volumes about how much he cares, and the respect they have for personal and professional boundaries is also very telling. The reader knows from the beginning that there will be more happening between these two than friendship and their partnership on the job. But that takes second-stage to the job they have to do in catching the bank robbers, so that is where their primary focus lies.
While the reader does get glimpses of the physical attraction between these two, the comfortableness they have with each other and their humor is showcased in the book a lot more than the physical attraction. This is something that appeals to me as a reader because I’ve tired of reading stories that have the focus on sex. Partners who have chemistry between them then fall into bed is an overused trope in my estimation. While I don’t discount the importance of sexual intimacy in a relationship, that is not all there is to a strong bond between two people, and I loved the bond between Madison and Jonas. Since this is a continuing series, who knows what will happen romantically between these two in the future, but the fact that he might be willing to give up a job in D.C. to stay in Seattle and continue to be her partner speaks volumes about what kind of man he is.
Madison is also a wonderful character. She’s strong woman who holds her own with the big boys, and she doesn’t back down from any of the challenges that come her way. I found her a truly enjoyable and believable character, and all through the book I cheered for her as she and Jonas traveled far and wide to track the bank robbers and bring them to justice.
The pacing of the novel is fast, and the reader hardly takes a breath before The Chase is on again, and the author is adept at keeping the reader guessing, wondering what could possibly happen next. The religious elements came through naturally, in most cases, and were definitely organic to the story, not tacked on because this is billed as Christian suspense. That was also another element that I appreciated. It makes for very awkward reading when something in a story is forced, and nothing was forced about this well written story. I highly recommend it to readers. But plan to spend time reading, as it is hard to stop in the wee hours of the night when one should be sleeping.
This book was fast-paced and held my interest. Well-written story.
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.
The Chase follows US Marshalls Madison and her partner Jonas. It picks up after book 1 and continues their story. In this instalment, Madison has recovered from being shot and is returning to work. Her first day back is filled with hostage situations, car chases and gun fights. This exciting and action packed book was a fun, quick read that I really enjoyed.
The Chase by Lisa Harris picks up three months after The Escape. I think readers would be ok jumping into The Chase without reading the first story, but I can’t handle reading out of order and you’d miss a few key things.
The Chase brings Madison James and Jonas Quinn together again, this time to track down some elusive and dangerous bank robbers. Madison is still struggling with a lot of things, like her father’s illness and surviving a home invasion/shooting. Jonas deals with past regrets as well and is determined to find these criminals.
This is a fantastic series for fans of action. The entire story is a manhunt for the bank robbers, with lots of exciting twists and turns. But the chemistry between Madison and Jonas works well. They are partners, and while there is an underlying love interest, they both have that relentless drive to bring criminals to justice.
Definitely check this series out. It’s one of my favorites and I can’t wait for book 3.
Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Madison James, Deputy US Marshal, returns to work just 12 weeks after someone shot her. Someone who remains at large and might try again. The shooter also knows something about who killed Madison’s husband four years earlier. Madison figures sitting around waiting for her memory of the event to return won’t help, and she eagerly returns to the job just as her partner, Deputy US Marshal Jonas Quinn receives an assignment to serve a federal warrant on a suspected bank robber.
Serving the warrant leads Madison and Jonas on a dangerous chase—starting with an active bank robbery, hostages, and a shootout. As they chase the bank robbers, Madison and Jonas must unravel the suspects’ motivation and background to find clues that will lead them to the robbers’ hideouts.
Madison and Jonas must make the arrests before the cold-blooded killer in the robbery ring claims more victims.
Why I Loved This Book
Harris takes readers on a twisty ride through Seattle and the San Juan Islands in this second installment in the US Marshalls series. Although part of a series, I haven’t read the first book and enjoyed the second one thoroughly. Jonas and Madison question their feelings about friendship, love, and family as their chase leads them deeper into danger.
Fans of Colleen Coble, Susan Sleeman, and Carrie Stuart Parks will enjoy this book.
Okay, so I have been waiting for this one for a LONG time!!! And it did not disappoint! Both of the books in this series so far have been ‘thrill of the chase’ suspense rather than ‘whodunnit’ types. And I haven’t minded at all! There’s been plenty of suspenseful moments regardless! And of course there is an overarching question of whodunnit throughout the whole series… so….
And the character development!!!! Jonas and Madison are such interesting and complex characters! And their relationship has been so realistic and down to earth. But I have to add that the slow burn is excruciating!!! It’s very well done, and so good and I love the slow burn, but it’s also killing me!! We’re two books in here!!!
Anyway, fans of romantic suspense, this book (and series) will definitely be your jam! And it only came out about a week ago! So get around it!
If I want to read an edge-of-the-seat thriller, Lisa Harris is one author I can read and know that I'll be captivated from the first page till the last. The Chase is just that, another thrilling story that I pretty much read in one sitting. Second in the US Marshals series, readers again are caught up in a police story with US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn. Although this is a second book with these two main characters, one can easily read The Chase as a stand-alone. The author fills in enough of the back story that readers won't have questions about the past. The story is full of non-stop action as the Marshalls are on the hunt for serial bank robbers. With incredibly tense moments and a bit of romance, the author has written a story that keeps the pages turning. The characters are realistic and exhibit emotions and actions to which readers can easily relate. With some seemingly unfinished business at the end of the book, waiting till next year for the next book in the series seems like a long wait. Readers who love romantic suspense stories will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
US Marshal Madison James has had it rough. As in, her husband was killed five years ago. A black rose was left at the scene and on his grave every year. Three months ago someone shot Madison in her own apartment and left a black rose behind. Pretty rough, wouldn't you say?
Now, she is back at work after recovering from the gunshot. She is working with her partner and friend, Jonas on a string of bank robberies and following up on leads. The perpetrators seem to be doing it for the rush and thrill of it, but then robberies begin to go bad and a bank guard is killed. They had never injured anyone prior to this. Then, another death. These criminals must be stopped and soon.
Jonas has feelings for Madison, but he struggles with feelings from a previous relationship with a co-worker who got badly injured on a case they were working. He feels a lot of guilt and isn't sure getting romantically involved with another coworker is a good idea. He also doesn't want to ruin a great friendship by confessing his feelings. Madison is not ready to take another chance on love and desperately wants to put the person behind bars who is responsible for her husband's death and her own shooting.
This is a great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Spoiler alert: the end leaves you hanging and wishing the next book in this series is out soon.
I was given an advanced ecopy of this by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
Great romantic suspenseful novel, with a story that takes these US Marshal’s interesting places in search for their suspects. I liked the fact that this story kicks off with Madison rejoining the team after her three-month rehab, helping to recover from her gunshot wound. Once again, she is partnered up with Jonas Quinn, who wonders if she’s really up to being in the field. Maybe she should be on desk duty for a little while; but they get a call to check into a bank robbery in progress. Jonas thinks she would be up to the task. They both are surprised at how fast the situation changes and how easily they are caught up in a web that leads down a deadly path. Will they survive?
I enjoyed this suspenseful journey with characters that grow throughout the novel, there were also characters to cheer for. I liked the slow burn romance and their sense of purpose. I appreciated the natural faith message throughout the story as they go about solving this mystery that has them questioning everything, they believe to be true.
The author leaves the reader wanting more and for Madison to get the closure she needs. I look forward to reading book three in this series. This would work well for a romantic suspenseful read and one that would work well for your next book club pick. If you haven’t read this author's novels before, you should treat yourself to this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive 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”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
In the second book in this series, readers are able to discover the next part of Madison and Jonas’ story. This book begins about three months after the conclusion in the last book. If you love an intriguing, fast-paced suspense novel then this book is for you! I loved the way the book was written. Ms. Harris provides a descriptive narrative that is easy to follow and will have readers wanting to read this book in one sitting. I enjoy reading all of her novels and eagerly await her next book in this series. This series focuses on Madison and Jonas who are US Marshalls. It follows their current case which is a bank robbery. The bank robbers’ case was interesting and highly engaging. Madison is also dealing with the death of her husband and never catching his killer. This book continues with that storyline as well. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
Lisa Harris is my go-to author when I'm in the mood for fast-paced action and a slow-burn romance!
After finishing The Escape, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next with Madison and Jonas. The Chase (US Marshals Book #2) picks up their story three months later as Madison is preparing to return to regular duty. Of course, a normal day in the office wouldn't make for good fiction so Harris plunges her dynamic duo into another big case involving bank robbers. The sense of urgency conveyed in her writing made me feel like I was blasting through the book at breakneck speed. My only reprieve (chance to catch my breath) came when Madison and Jonas would share a private moment. As the story progressed, their shared moments grew in depth and intimacy making me eager for the final installment of the series. Will they have their happily ever after or will the person(s) hunting Madison prevent that from happening?
I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa... you have absolutely hit this series out of the park!!
I had the same sentiments with book one (and I love most of Harris' work), but this series is her best writing to date. Not only could I not wait to hear more from Madison and Jonas, but this book sucks you in from the very first chapter. After a string of successful bank robberies, those involved make a mistake, and the US Marshalls are hot on their heels. Madison and Jonas are drawn to one another, but both are wrestling with the loss of past loves. Madison: still searching for who killed her husband and trying to recover the memory of who shot her, and Jonas: mulling over what he could have done differently to save his previous partner the agony of losing a limb and losing love. All of the while racing through Seattle on the hunt for bank robbers turned killers. This one will keep you guessing and your heart pumping!
This book also has an honest look at past "baggage" and how people work through the hurts they've endured while also pressing forward to continue living. There is great hope and true internal struggle in Madison and Jonas' stories, and I think that will resonate with many readers, even if their situations aren't the same. I am at the edge of my seat waiting for book #3, and to hear the next stage of Madison and Jonas' journey. Will they ever find the closure they're looking for?
I received a copy of this book digitally via NetGalley. I also ordered a copy from Baker Book House. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
We catch up with Madison James and Jonas Quinn three months after the end of The Escape. Madison has recovered physically from her wounds but it's clear she is still struggling emotionally with not knowing who shot her and how they're linked to her late husband's killer.
She isn't given any time to quietly settle back into the job as the partners are immediately called into a bank robbery that is going down. These robbers serve to form the backbone of the plot for the story. On escaping capture, the foursome thrill seekers separate and send Madison and Jonas on a series of illusive chases as they endeavour to avoid jail time.
Like all her stories, Harris keeps the pace fast as we move from scene to scene on the hunt for these wily robbers. Meanwhile, the connection between our two US Marshalls continues to develop and grow and for one of them in particular, taking their friendship to something more becomes increasingly desirable. I like how Harris is developing this relationship. It's a bit like those classic old detective TV shows where the romantic tension between the two leads is ever present and you wonder that it's just a matter of time before they get together.
I loved racing all around Seattle and exploring its sights as well as some pretty islands further north close to the Canadian border.
We're left hanging at the end of the story on all levels which makes me want the third and final instalment to arrive quickly so I can see how everything gets wrapped up.
I received an early ebook copy of the book from the publisher as part of their Revell Reads Program via NetGalley with not expectation of a positive review.