This Christian romantic suspense begins a new series by Bradley. I like the female heroine. She is thrust into a new situation and pretty much rises to the occasion. Bradley's writing style is to emphasize the romance and include much character thought as romance is pondered and actions rethought.

I did not appreciate all of the information about the dark web, including getting the proper program to access it. I did not think that was appropriate and wish that information had been handled a different way. I was a little disappointed in some aspects of the character development. An example is when Nathan and Alexis are in her office and a gun is fired. Nathan yells, “Get down!” Alexis says, “What?” She is a trained policewoman and should have dropped and asked questions later.

I also do not like suspense because of errors. An example is Nathan bringing Alexis home and noticing upon entry that the alarm is not set. He checks her bedroom but not the entire house. Of course suspense ensues. That was a stupid act on his part which he later admits. I like it better when the villain outsmarts the police, not when the police do stupid things to let the villain get an upper hand.

Speaking of the villain, it is no surprise as Bradley rather over characterizes the individual. While there are other possibilities for the villain, I thought the identification was pretty clear early on.

I do like Christian romantic suspense and do feel this is a good novel in the end. The plot and character errors were noticeable but not overwhelming so I will be looking for the next in the series.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Fast-paced. Intriguing. Nail biting.

Alex Stone is out to catch a serial killer. One who loves playing games with her mind, taunting her every step of the way. What will it take to find this cunning individual, and what will it cost Alex in the long run?

This book is the definition of a “page-turner.” I found myself going back to it every free minute I had. The plot was very interesting, with an abundance of complications. I had my suspicions of who the serial killer might be, but Patricia Bradley did a good job of trying to throw me off the scent of the real killer.

I really liked that there was a lot of romantic tension between the heroine Alex, and her high school sweetheart Nathan Landry. I found myself getting frustrated at Alex for her sheer stubbornness, but this aspect of her personality had me questioning whether the relationship would come to fruition. The romance between the characters was clean, pure, and passionate. I also liked that Alex was strong, and not a “damsel-in-distress,” rushing into danger so that she could catch the ever-elusive serial killer.

Another great addition to the book was Alex’s grandparents. Their wisdom sprinkled through the pages couldn’t help but bring a smile to my face, and at times caused me to pause and reflect. Themes such as asking for God’s guidance, trusting His will, relying on Him, why bad things happen to good people, and His providence are tackled throughout the book.

If you’re looking for a book packed with action, clean romance, and thrilling in every way, don’t miss Patricia Bradley’s “Counter Attack!”

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

What an AWESOME romantic suspense novel ya'll! 5 stars! A perfect start to a new series! Great characters, non-stop action, small town vibes and a second chance romance you will love and root for! This was my first Patricia Bradley novel and I loved it so much! I live in Tennessee and love all things southern - and this had some great southern vibes with small town diners, grandparents you love and small town livin' that grows on you. Patricia Bradley is a new favorite author of mine now for sure!

Counter Attack is all about Alexis Stone, who is the interim sherrif in Russell County, Tennessee. The story starts with her being undercover invesigating the serial killer known as the Queen's Gambit Killer. She's on the case when she runs into her old high school sweetheart, Nathan Landry. Now in their 30s and both in the police force, will this be their second chance at love as they work together to solve this case? As they work together, pieces of the puzzle start forming and they soon realize Alexis is now the one in danger...

What I really loved most was our main characters of Alexis and Nathan - they worked together so perfectly and seeing them come back together after so long was great. The fast paced suspense and short chapters with both POVs was great too! This is true page turner for sure. There was also a light faith element I really liked seeing in the story, specifically when Alexis' grandmother asks her...has she prayed/asked God to guide her in the case. I read this in 1 day - it was so bingeable and fast paced - and for once, I figured out who the killer was before it was revealed! A new favorite and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you to Baker Publishing, Revell and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review. I will also be discussing this book in my end of month wrap up video on my YouTube channel at the end of May.

This is a good start to this new series. I’m looking forward to reading more. It was fascinating learning how and why the Queen’s Gambit Killer chose its victims. The game play was interesting but I think I would have enjoyed it all the more if I understood chess.

I really liked Nathan. He knew what he wanted, worked hard, and was content. Alexis was a little too much for me in a few areas. That made it a little harder for me to relate to her. Still I enjoyed seeing her moving into a new position and working on building relationships with her new staff

I gave it four instead of five stars because a few things were just too predictable and easy to figure out. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I am a big fan of Patricia Bradley's romantic suspense stories. I am glad to have read Counter Attack, although I wouldn't say it ranks among my favorite of her books. While there is a good suspense to romance ratio, the main characters are likable, and there is a lot of action, it was a bit too simple to identify the bad guy. Maybe the author wanted us to know and just wanted us to follow the investigators to see how they put the pieces together. Counter Attack was worth the time I spent engaged with the story. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Counter Attack is an intriguing, action packed, second chance romantic suspense that drew me in from the start. It’s the first book I’ve read by Patricia Bradley and look forward to reading more. I was pulled in by the premise of a serial killer known as the Queen’s Gambit whose calling card is a chess pawn. The murders are captured and uploaded to the dark web as part of a sick game. It’s up to a female detective and her former childhood sweetheart to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again.

Police detective Alexis Stone is hoping to become the first female police commissioner of the Chattanooga, Tennessee police force. She’s also hot on the trail of a serial killer. After a shooting incident and her Sheriff grandfather’s heart attack, she returns to her small home town of Pearl River to take over as interim Sheriff’s Deputy while her grandfather recovers. Unfortunately, the serial killer follows her home. On top of all that’s going on, she’s forced to reconcile her feelings towards an old high school sweetheart who’s the local police chief.

Nathan is still in love with Alexis. Though he hasn’t seen her in years, their chance meeting and her return home makes it difficult for him to keep his feelings hidden especially when she seems to be the target of a killer. He also has his hands full with a local drug dealing ring. As they work together to solve two separate mysteries, their feelings become undeniable, but will Alex abandon her plans and surrender to love or will she let her determination and fears dominate her decision, if she can stay alive?

This fast paced mystery really kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed Alex and Nathan and their slow burn romance. Both experience hair raising situations which make them realize their feelings for each other. Though I was able to guess the killer pretty early on, there were still some good twists and turns. The second mystery involving drug dealers was a little more difficult to guess.

All in all, a suspenseful, romantic read that was easy to binge in a day. Recommend to inspirational romantic suspense fans. I’ll definitely look for the next book in this series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through LibraryThing. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.

While working undercover, Alex Stone runs into her former high school sweet heart Nathan Landry. Alex is attempting to lure out the elusive Queen's Gambit Killer, and Nathan - police chief of Pear Springs - quickly realizes he can't blow her cover. But seeing her again for the first time sparks feelings that had long lay dormant. Shortly after they meet again, Alex is attacked - which strings together a series of events that lead her to becoming Sheriff of Russel County and puts her working in close proximity to Alex. The big question is, can Alex and Nathan find the Queen's Gambit Killer? Can they work through their differences and find their way back to each other?

I enjoyed reading this new novel by Patricia Bradley. I was slightly disappointed that within the first few chapters, I had figured out who one of the culprits was. There were enough clues thrown in the direction of this particular character. I think the story would be less obvious if we were given one or two less hints as to the questionable nature of the culprit.

I'm hoping another story set in Russel County is in the future as I enjoyed getting to know many of the main characters!

Counter Attack is an excellent suspenseful police action-packed story with a strong romantic element to it. By Patricia Bradley it is also a faith-based story that makes it an even better read. While it does not shy away from the God and scripture, it is done naturally in the story as it would happen in life.

Everything about this story worked for me. The main characters were professional and relatable, the Chattanooga, setting then small-town Pearl Springs was just like the South I know and love with a plot that was intriguing and evenly paced. God’s grace, help yet personal free-will are evident throughout the plot too. There was the main case centering around a serial killer along with a subplot that was also well-developed concerning crimes in Pearl Springs. The relationship between Alexis Stone and her grandparents was so touching but I also enjoyed seeing the renewed relationship with Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry. As for the villain, that character had been on my radar early, mainly because something just seemed off about an encounter with Alexis. Yet it was interesting how the author allowed the reader to see into the criminal’s mind without reveling who it was. All together this is a tightly written, follow-the-clues amazing story.

Fans of Irene Hannon, Susan May Warren and Lynette Eason will want to add Patricia Bradley’s books to their TBR lists of authors. I am so thrilled to have found this wonderful writer to ad to mine.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

An action packed suspense. it took me a little while to get into the book but I liked the main characters right away. There are a lot of secondary characters, which can be a little hard to keep straight. It was a fun read and I would like to continue the series to see where it goes.

I can relate to the conundrum in which Alexis Stone found herself. I never learned to play chess, although I tried a number of years ago. Like her, I gave it up so I could spend my time on things I enjoyed. However, unlike Alexis, I have never found a time in my life when it mattered. Alexis is in a situation where she needs a crash course on chess, but not much time to learn it all. Fortunately, Nathan understands the game and tells her what she needs to know. Okay, you may be wondering why a chief deputy in the Sheriff’s department of a small county needs to understand chess. The only clues she has for finding and stopping a serial killer are based on chess, but the killer has the upper hand and is always a step ahead. The story is packed with suspense. The action keeps things moving. But I especially enjoyed the necessity for them to use their wits to get into the mind of the killer and outthink him. Watching and studying ever move became paramount to getting ahead. I found myself tracking with Alexis and Nathan as they continually studied everything to look for an opportunity to turn the tables. Two very special people in the story were Gram and Gramps. Alex lived with them from the time she was young until she got out on her own. Gramps was the one who chose Alex to be his chief deputy while he was recuperating from a heart attack. Gram was the one who continued to nudge Alex along in a not so subtle manner to develop a strong faith in God. She also did all in her power to get Nathan to share dinner with them each evening. Gram was just one of the matchmakers in their small town. I enjoyed this story so much I can hardly wait for the next book. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

What a great start to a new series. This compelling and fast-paced read had me instantly intrigued and turning the pages as fast as I could.

I love a good second-chance romance, and I really enjoyed this one. Alex and Nathan had great chemistry. You could tell right off the bat that there were still strong feelings between them. The sparks were flying early on and I was rooting so hard for them.

I figured out who the killer was pretty quickly, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit. While I wanted to nudge Alex and Nathan in the right direction a time or two, it actually ramped up the anxiety and added to the suspense.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of inspirational romantic suspense. I'm so excited for the next one!

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

During her last undercover assignment, Detective Alexis “Alex” Stone was shot while trying to stop the “Queen’s Gambit” killer. He leaves a white pawn in the hand of the victims, victims that resemble Alex. She killed her assailant, but was he the serial killer? She is not sure. Recovering in her home town, she has no plans to stay until her father, Sheriff Carson Stone, suffers a heart attack and asks that she serve as his chief deputy while he recovers. Returning home means seeing the man who was once her lover, Police Chief Nathan Landry. He is working a drug case when a body is found holding a white pawn. Has the killer followed her home? The killer uses the name Phame on the dark web and begins leaving notes for Alex, welcoming her home. When Nathan is caught up in the killer’s web, will Alex be able to find and save him before the killer wins again? A twisted killer who shows no remorse and must be stopped. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

This was an enjoyable and suspenseful book.

Patricia Bradley does not disappoint in this genre of Christian Suspense & Mystery Romance. Counter Attack is book 1 of a new series called Pearl River. Her descriptions definitely make me want to visit the town of Pearl Springs and the surrounding countryside, but it is the suspense and mystery that really drew me into the story. A real page turner towards the end when the climax is near. A must read if you like this genre.

I was given an ARC complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

I reviewed on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub.

Video games on the dark web, a chess game, and a past fatality all come together to create a suspenseful story that will keep you turning the pages. While I was able to figure out who the killer was, I didn’t see the twists that the story took to provide some great surprises. Alex stone was great in her new role as police chief and it will be interesting to read more books in the series.

You will enjoy reading this if you have read books by similar authors such as Elizabeth Goddard or Lynette Eason. I was given a copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All options are my own.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail.

Wow! This first book in the Pearl River series is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat, suspicious of almost everyone. What appears to be suicide by cop has morphed into murder with chess moves. It will be up to Alex Stone, chief deputy to the Sheriff and her old friend Nathan Landry, Pearl Springs chief of police, to figure out who is murdering women that bear a scary resemblance to the chief deputy.

Explosions, fire, kidnapping and more - will the good guys ever win? Toss in a possible drug connection and you have a book you will not set aside. Will Alex continue to try to figure things out on her own, or will she finally pray for guidance before stepping out?

An early copy was received through Revell, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

"Counter Attack" is a Christian romantic suspense. Alexis left small town life for the big city and her dream of one day becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. When her sheriff grandfather has health issues preventing him from working, she agrees to run the department as his chief deputy. Not everyone likes that she got the job, though. Even Nathan thought he might get the job, but he's needed in his current position as chief of police. He's tracking down drug dealers, but he works with Alexis to stop the serial killer who's followed her to Pearl Springs. Alexis and Nathan learned to work together as a team. They already cared for each other, but Alexis has to decide if she can be content with small town life and potentially becoming the next sheriff.

The main characters were likable, complex, and reacted realistically to events. The high level of suspense came from several attacks on Alexis, her need to get her deputies working smoothly under her, and trying to stop the serial killer from murdering yet another woman that looks just like her. However, I wondered why Alexis so easily believed the distress call at the end since the caller was previously pointed out as a possible suspect and also didn't fit the profile of the killer's previous targets. She could have been portrayed as slightly suspicious.

Alexis didn't like to ask anyone for help, even God. She felt that God knew what was needed and could stop evil, so He ought to just do it. She finally realized she should have been asking for God's guidance and help all along. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.

Patricia Bradley introduces her new “Pearl River” series with bang with Counter Attack. A serial killer strikes; Alexis and Nathan must team up to stop him before more lives are lost. The unsub leaves clues associated with chess, and lucky for Alexis, Nathan understands them. Can they put aside their mutual attraction, or will it distract them from their tasks? And what about Alexis’s…shaky position as interim sheriff? Will that stand in the way, too? Only one way to find out: Read Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley!

I’m going to preface the rest of this review by saying I read Counter Attack when recovering from surgery. As I could do little else, I inhaled novels like a competitor in a hot dog eating contest. I could not write or type out my thoughts. That all being said, my recollections of Patricia Bradley’s newest novel are a little…blurry. The plot is enjoyable and entertaining. Even in my post-anesthesia state, Counter Attack kept me awake, and that’s saying something! Patricia Bradley describes the murders—and other crimes—without being gruesome. I have read enough romantic suspense that little surprise me anymore, so I was able to predict the “bad guy” almost from the start. But that did not take away from the novel in the least.

The chess aspect—the unsub’s signature, to steal a behavioral analysis term—I liked. I don’t know chess, so I was as in the dark as Alexis. I needed the explanations Bradley provided. Chess, however, I feel is rather overused. I understand it takes an inordinate amount of skill. But I feel if an author needs to reference a game for some reason or another, it is always chess. While Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley has an original plot, I have read aspects of it in other novels. It was not my favorite Patricia Bradley novel, but I am absolutely looking forward to meeting future characters in the “Pearl River” series.

Alexis Stone is on the force in Chattanooga when she's asked to serve as the interim sheriff in Russell County. She's a high achieving, high action, big dreamer who always has a plan. The detour to help her grandfather might just cost her the plans she has for her future.
Nathan Landry is Chief in Pearl Springs which is nestled inside of Russell County. When he finds himself needing to team up with the new County Sheriff he's not sure his heart can take it. Alexis left his heart once, can he take it if she does it again?
This introduction to the Pearl River series is an interesting mystery that keeps readers wondering how many more hits the sheriff will face in one day. Will she be willing to set aside her plans and her pride to discover what God has in mind for her?
I'll enjoy this series and the adventures these two police forces face in the pages to come.
Thank you Revell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

Lace up your boots, because Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley goes full throttle from the very first page! The reader is thrown into the midst of a serial killer investigation, and with a simmering romance, family drama, and crime at an all time high, your pulse will rise as you turn each page.

Chess players will love the game played by the serial killer, and all readers will enjoy the symbolism this displays. I’m not a chess fan, so while I didn’t understand the nuances of this part, Bradley explained it well, and I liked how expertly she wove chess moves throughout the story.

Even more than the clever symbolism, though, I loved the characters. Alex makes a great female leading lady: she’s confident, skilled, and strong, yet she isn’t afraid to learn and work together. Nathan is chivalrous and experienced, and he’s willing to put everything the line for the people he loves. They make a fantastic fun team as they try to solve this mystery, and they’re exactly the people I want protecting my town.

I actively tried to solve the case along with Alex and Nathan, so I was happy when I guessed right – and also quite surprised by some twists that Bradley through into the mix, right up until the end! I love when authors keep you guessing, and Bradley nailed this one with the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and red herrings.

Counter Attack kicks off the Pearl River series with a bang, and I can’t wait to read the next one. If suspense and mystery is your jam, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Counter Attack from the author. All opinions are my own.

Well, I gotta say wow! I loved every minute of this book. I didn't want to put it down for even one minute!
Full of action packed with lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming!
I really enjoyed at guessing who done it game. I had an idea, but I kept reading to be sure.
In my opinion, this is what makes the book fun and enjoyable to read!
The author has met my expectations over and beyond for this book. I was NOT one bit disappointed!
Alexis is such a cool character. I loved her immediately! I found myself rooting for her all the way through the story!
5 stars for this lovely novel, and it will be added to my keeper shelf!
Bradley is just that awesome!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.