This novel is set in Houston, Texas. Risa Jacobs works for law enforcement - It has been five years since she moved to the violent crime division, specifically crimes against children. Risa and her Partner in the FBI agency, Gage Patterson, worked together to investigate kidnappings, pedophiles, pornography, online predators, human trafficking, involuntary servitude, parental kidnapping, and any other instances that fall into the violent crimes against children.

Risa hadn't seen her brother Trenton in years, who was caught in the act of drug and alcohol addiction. Then, they decide to meet up at a restaurant to express their sibling's love. Trenton during this meeting asks for forgiveness from his sister for his addictions and lets them know he has changed for many months to be a clean person. On their way, a driver speeds up his SUV and kills Risa's brother Trenton at the intersection of the road. Risa takes the blame for her brother's death, she couldn't feel anything other than guilt and shame. Risa was driven and determined to find Trenton's killer. The only person who could stand by her showing compassion and support was her friend FBI Gage. The Security cams from the restaurant had captured the crime and one of the witnesses got the license plate number - But the SUV was abandoned and stolen hours before reported. Since Risa had been involved in this incident, the FBI and the Houston police department had formed a task force to investigate the case.

Risa had an outstanding record with the FBI but she decides to resign thereafter, Risa finds a note paper demanding and threatening her to resign from her job at the FBI immediately asking her to watch out that next it will be her as Trenton died in her place, now she knows someone wanted her to be dead. She goes technically on leave. The status allowed her to view the investigation into her brother's death. She intended to find her brother's killer. Risa returns to teaching as an English professor as she hasn't found a single piece of evidence. Lots of questions started to haunt her - Who could have followed Trenton when he left to meet Risa? or hacked into his phone to learn the date and place. What if Trenton recognized the SUV.

Meanwhile, Gage had been working on the Missing Addington baby case. Gage gets a new partner to work with - Jack Bradford. Depression and grief cuffed Risa hoping that she would find Trenton's killer.

Carson Lowell - one of her students has something to do with Trenton's death. Carson's story-writing final paper submission to Risa's class paves the way to the exact scene of Trenton's death. How did Carson have a clue that his English professor had been a Federal agent? Carson is the eye witness or he is the murderer? Both the cases - Trenton's death and Addington's case to find the abducted baby take priority investigation in this novel. Risa and Gage share a romantic relationship even when their Jobs take the front seat. As partners, they work together to find the killer and the organized ring of abducting babies of parents.

The combination of high-stakes action, thrilling twists, and gripping research of the author makes this crime novel very original and genuine. This book deals with some horrific criminal issues that took me by surprise that the public society of the USA faces today such as Murder, Kidnappings and abduction, security systems, and even terror attacks that people have to watch out for. Every page has nail-biting sequences that keep readers wanting for more!!

Thanks to Partners in Crime tours, Netgalley, and Tyndale House Publishers for an advance copy for my honest review.
Smitha Agy: - Novel nerd blog: https://smithareading.blogspot.com/

If you like a twisting, turning, nail-biting murder mystery, you won’t want to miss Facing the Enemy by DiAnn Mills. This is my first experience in reading one of her books and I was absolutely wowed!! Her attention to detail and keeping the reader guessing is inspiring. When the criminals are revealed, I realized I was clueless with my detective work. Maybe you can do better. I dare ya!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

A sinister plot has a target on Agent Risa Jacobs back, with connections that she can't understand. She steps away from the FBI, but the only way to protect herself may be to go looking for answers.

Risa has had a hard time since her brother's death, suffering with survivors guilt while pursuing a quieter life. The book spends a lot of time in her head as she deals with everything that has happened to her. While this book has elements of romance, it isn't really a romance as the characters already know how they feel about each other and spend most of their time apart in the beginning, but I did really love when they worked together. There is a lot going on behind the scenes as they try to make it all make sense.

It was a slower build, with good character development, and I liked how the book dealt with Risa's struggles of faith and self blame. An entertaining read filled with suspense, strong characters who do a very difficult job for the right reasons, and a good message of faith in the dark times.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have to start by admitting that I've not quite finished the book so my review will be on what I've read so far and I will come back and edit the review when I've finished the book.
From reading the blurb I didn't realise that the book was classed as Christian crime fiction so the heavy amount of Christian religion in it from the first few pages took me by surprise and if I'm honest put me off the book a little and is why I'm still not finished reading it.
The story confuses me at times and I think it's because this feels like two separate books a romance and a crime, almost as if the author wasn't sure which she wanted to write and I'm not sure if they have been woven together as well as they could have been.
That being said I do like the crime element and the adoption/kidnapping crime ring and how Gage and Jack are trying to bring it down and aside from the religious elements I do like the writing style.
I feel like we haven't got to know Risa or Gage well enough, that this possibly feels like the midway book in a detective series rather than a stand-alone novel.
As I said I've not finished the book yet so my opinions may change but currently despite liking the writing style due to the religious elements being so heavy-handed I don't think I would pick up another book by this author.

I really enjoyed this story! The characters were well-written (although I did find the dialogue a little challenging at times), and the mystery kept me guessing. There was a little more gore on page than I like, but it didn't deter me from the story. I would enjoy seeing these characters in a series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

DiAnn Mills has masterfully woven an emotionally charged narrative that took me on a tumultuous ride of feelings, leaving me captivated late into the night.

Within the FBI's division violent crimes against children, Risa Jacobs and Gage Patterson stand as unyielding partners, scarred by the harrowing sights they've witnessed. Their shared experiences have forged an unbreakable bond. A bond deeper than either one is willing to admit.

In a glimmer of renewed hope, Risa's world brightens when she reunites with her now-reformed brother, a beacon of positive change. But this fragile hope shatters when her brother meets a tragic end.

Retreating from the FBI's intensity, Risa turns to teaching creative writing at a local college. Even her she gets more than she bargained for, when a student's paper tells the tale of her the night her brother was killed.

Simultaneously, Gage embarks on a relentless pursuit, teaming up with his new partner in a race against time to decipher the enigma of a baby's abduction from a fortified home. Progress is slow until a startling twist leads them to the infant, miraculously found miles away, embraced by adoptive parents.

The tale intricately weaves suspense, in action-packed sequences are nicely balanced with a tender romance that adds depth to the narrative.

DiAnn Mills' storytelling gift shines brightly in this gripping saga, assuring her loyal fans another satisfying journey. For those unacquainted with her artistry, this story is ashowcase of Mills' narrative finesse.


Disclaimer: I would like to thank Tyndale for providing this advanced reader copy through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to provide a review, all opinions expressed are my own.

Facing the Enemy is a book with one of the most twisty plots with unexpected turns that I've ever read. The cases that the FBI agents are working on are interesting and unfortunately, very believable. The action, suspense, and mystery kept me reading the book way too far into the night. The main villain came as a surprise to me.
Author DiAnn Mills has given readers great main and supporting characters and develops them well. There's a very slow burn romance building between Gage and Risa. This is romantic suspense at its best, so there is an HEA for our main characters.
I recommend this book to readers of clean romantic suspense, to readers of Christian romantic suspense, and to readers that enjoy books about the FBI.
I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book.

“Those we love live forever in our hearts.”

The book is evocative, touching and compelling. The writing is gripping and it keeps you guessing till the end. Risa Jacob is a FBI agent who works in a Houston FBI under crimes against children division. Gage is her partner and the only person she shares her innermost thoughts with but when the tragedy strikes and her brother gets killed, it unleash a different version of her. As it is not easy when you lose your loved ones. It takes a lot to come out of the grief and loss. Gage is so understanding and kind.

The author has shared about the relationships with family and friends. The author has shared how difficult it is to get yourself out of grief after losing loved one. The author has given glimpse of each character’s life. Risa was determined to find the killer of Trenton and Gage was working on another case but he took care of Risa as well and helped her to get to the bottom of the mystery. As the two of the cases seems to be connected in some way. So, together will they find a person behind the threats and murder or it’s all a psychological deceiving web to distract them?

✍🏻
- Mysterious and Suspenseful
- Stand-alone
- Action-Packed
- Police Procedurals
- Plot twist you won’t see coming
- It will keep you guessing till the end

Thank you Author, Publisher, and Netgalley

Facing the Enemy is an interesting romantic suspense novel, heavy on the suspense, light on the romance. The plot is timely, centering around human trafficking as the FBI works to break up an illegal adoption ring. The story has many moving pieces, plenty of suspicious characters, and some intense violence. I am usually good with first person point of view, however in this book it had, at least to me, the feel of a Dragnet script from the original series, as if the two lead characters that spoke in the first person were giving a report on themselves. Overall, this was a good read, and I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Diane Mills Facing the Enemy is an edge of your seat experience, do not expect to put it down quickly. She is one of my favorite authors. This book is so filled with excitement and suspense as there are a lot of twists and turns in this investigation. Mills writes with seemingly insight into the crimes committed and the characters who do them and also the ones solving the mysteries. She does her research well and all of this makes for a great and entertaining novel…thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale for the opportunity to read this great book.

Risa, an FBI agent, is thrilled to be having a reunion with her brother Trenton. He's been a drug addict for years and has now cleaned up. After a very nice lunch, they are walking along and someone tries to run over Risa. Trenton is killed saving her life. The rest of her family and friends are threatened if she pursues looking into who tried to kill her. So her takes a leave of absence from her job and goes back to teaching college. All the while secretly trying to determine her killed her brother. Her FBI partner, Gage, is still working on the case also. It all stems back to an adoption ring stealing babies.

This story has a lot of twists and turns that kept me reading. Of course Risa and Gage develop more than a working relationship. But they have to keep it quiet or the bad guys will start targeting Gage as well. If you want a good mystery, this is the book for you.

I was given this book by Tyndale House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

High paced and suspenseful, this romantic FBI thriller will keep readers engaged throughout. The characters are relatable, likeable and easy to admire. Love the dedication to getting the job done. Death of a loved one is a hard topic but the author did a great job of recommending counseling and relying on God through the characters. Illegal child trafficking and fake adoption rings were addressed well. Highly recommended!

Whenever I read a story by author DiAnn Mills, I have come to expect an engrossing and well-developed storyline, and Facing the Enemy brilliantly achieved that. I continue to be amazed at just how much “good stuff” Mills can squeeze into a single story. She mastered her craft.

Facing the Enemy is set in present day Houston, Texas. It follows the lives of partnered FBI Special Agents Risa Jacobs and Gage Patterson. They work in the Violent Crimes Against Children Division of the Houston FBI. As Risa and her younger brother are crossing a street, a car speeds toward them and results in the grisly death of her brother. Risa later learns that the driver meant to kill her and not her brother. This sets Risa off; she leaves the FBI and sets out on a path of vengeance. She enlists the help of her former partner, Gage, who then splits his time between Risa’s mission and the FBI case he’s working with a new partner, relating to an illegal adoption ring who is stealing babies. Eventually, Risa and Gage realize the two cases could be related.

That synopsis was a mouthful, but the storyline is quite complex. It’s quite the feat, in my opinion, for an author to deliver such a complex plot, while not losing the reader, yet keeping everything moving along with a reasonable pace. DiAnn Mills handled it all quite well.

The entire story is written in the first person narrative, but the POV changes periodically between Risa and Gage. That is usually a fabulous way of telling a story, but on my NetGalley, there were formatting issues that ran paragraphs together, and that made it hard to tell who was speaking. I imagine that will be remedied in any final copies. 

Risa and Gage are endearing characters, with Risa being the big risk taker and Gage intent on keeping her in check. There is a love relationship that blooms throughout the story. I do wish there was a little more backstory on how that began because there are times when Risa and Gage do or say things, with respect to their relationship, that to me seemed a bit out of character.  But the character arcs are very good, and Risa’s arc would probably be somewhat jagged if drawn on paper. That’s not a bad thing.

Mills has a wonderful way with description. Sometimes she’ll describe something, and it’s so perfect I can’t believe I never read it before. For example; “His words warmed me like a quilt on a chilly night.” Another perfect phrase: “My eyes pooled with liquid regret.” There are quite a number of those “perfect phrases” in this particular story. I enjoyed every one of them.

The pacing, to me, was a little awkward at first, but it got on track quickly, and after that happened I couldn’t put it down. I love the way this author leads up to a climax. Every sentence seems to be strategically placed so engagement is increased with each turned page. I can’t give you an example of that without spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it yourself.

There’s a lot to enjoy in this story, and I highly recommend it!

A fast-paced novel dealing with intrigue and an ever-widening ring of deceit. After FBI agent Risa Jacobs brother is killed in a hit-and-run accident - one which she doubts is really an accident - she is on the hunt for a killer. Her partner Gage is mystified when she "leaves" the FBI to return to her previous career of teaching. But mystery and subterfuge mingle with a chain of murders and soon Gage and Risa are working together again. But will they be able to stop an ever-widening circle of deadly deception? You won't want to miss this newest novel by a master of mystery!

An intricate plot with compelling personalities makes for a riveting mystery.

Facing the Enemy by the consistently satisfying author, DiAnn Mills, is an exciting mystery with intricate plotting and compelling characters, making for a truly riveting tale of murder and a baby smuggling operation. I found this book hard to set aside when I needed to attend to business.

The main character, FBI Special Agent Dr. Risa Maura Jacobs, is headstrong but has the smarts and skills to make that work for her. Her character goes through so much in this book; she struggles with her lifelong beliefs and relationship with God when she is overcome with grief and depression. She's such a decent person. I was behind her all the way to come out on top of the bad guys and find her way back to her faith. Her partner, Gage Patterson, is determined and persistent in his pursuit of justice. He is occasionally blinded by his love for Risa, agreeing to risky plans and half-baked schemes without the proper backup or vetting. He figures it out, though.

The author's writing style is fast-paced but easy to read; she is a compelling storyteller. The plot is intricate, with two seemingly disparate mysteries under investigation simultaneously. The story unfolds through two first-person viewpoints, Gage's and Risa's, giving us a bird's eye view of both cases. The Houston setting provided a big city, cosmopolitan vibe, and a culturally diverse population that views any kind of law enforcement with a jaundiced eye. These feelings and beliefs hindered the investigation and possibly prevented related crimes from being reported. The bad guys were always one step ahead of our heroes, and there were some twists in the plot that amped up the suspense. I was surprised when the truth of who was behind the baby smuggling when their identity was finally exposed.

I recommend FACING THE ENEMY to readers who enjoy faith-forward romantic suspense stories.

I enjoyed this good FBI procedural novel centered around adoption scams. It really highlights how the FBI works in investigating and preventing crimes against children. Risa and Gage are agents dedicated to their work. I like Risa's boldness at having some really good though dangerous ideas on catching the villains. The novel is firmly rooted in a Christian belief viewpoint. This is especially seen in the work with a counselor to heal past trauma.

Risa and Gage develop a romantic relationship that has been waiting to surface for a long time. While they recognize the difficulties of two FBI agents working together in a developing romance, and they know the FBI frowns on such fraternization, they pursue it cautiously. This is the only aspect of the novel I did not like. I personally prefer romance be outside of the agents' work relationship.

This is an entertaining and informative novel about adoption scams and includes quite a bit of information about dealing with past trauma and guilt from misdeeds. Mills' writing style is good, providing a good pace to the plot movement as well as a good balance of action and character development.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Facing the Enemy is a fast-paced novel that is going to keep you reading til the last word and then you’re gonna want more! I need a book two. And then a three and four, please. I’m invested in these characters now. I need to see where they go and what they do. Besides we have to get Jack out of the hospital!

Risa became an FBI child case worker because she witnessed her next-door neighbor’s child being abused. The little girl then died from injuries sustained. Now she will protect as many children as she can. Gage has his own reasons for working the child cases in the FBI but he keeps them close to his vest.

CAN THE TWO OF THEM SOLVE THIS COMPLICATED CASE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
What happens when Risa witnesses her brother being hit by a vehicle and dying? Can she keep being and FBI agent? Can she trust anyone else? Will she solve his case?

Risa takes a leave and goes back to being a college professor. Only the break she thought she’d get wasn’t quite what it was supposed to be. When one of her students writes about her brother’s hit and run and knows details no one else does things get interesting.

Wait until you start reading this book. You can’t put it down. I could not wait to see what happened next. Risa is amazing. She’s an incredible investigator even though sometimes she’s a bit impulsive. Add in needing to not only solve her brother’s case but a child abduction/baby-snatching case and the book makes it impossible to stop reading. Prepare to stay up all night.

Oh and throw in some romance too.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

FBI agent Risa Jacobs is used to being the one on the hunt, going after the bad guys. But things take an unexpected turn when her brother Trenton is killed by a hit-and-run driver, only moments after their first meeting in years. Trenton had broken the shackles of his drug addiction, and they’d had dinner to celebrate. Risa was looking forward to renewing her relationship with him, to seeing healing in her family. In a heartbeat, those hopes were smashed. When Risa finds a note saying she was the intended target, she wants to resign from the FBI. Her boss convinces her she needs to go after the killer and works out a way she can do that while appearing to leave the job she loves.

In Risa’s absence, Agent Gage Patterson teams up with another partner to continue working a child kidnapping case. He misses Risa, though, on both a professional and a personal level. She does her best to keep him at a distance, wanting to protect those close to her from her brother’s killer. But in her new role as a college professor, Risa gets a short story from a student that appears eerily similar to her brother’s murder, and Gage’s investigation into the kidnapping ring appears to involve the student’s father. They combine forces and work together to try to solve both crimes without either of them getting killed in the process.

DiAnn Mills absolutely has a gift for crafting taut, compelling stories that hook you and don’t let go. In Facing the Enemy, things start off with a bang when Trenton is killed, and then it’s really off to the races. I don’t think there was a slow spot in this book. With each new event, each new unveiling, the tension ratcheted up another notch. There were times I found myself literally holding my breath, waiting to see how a scenario would play out!

The tension wasn’t just on the criminal investigation front, either. Risa and Gage clearly have feelings for each other, but they’re both hesitant to let those feelings get in the way of doing their jobs. Risa proves she’s able to take care of herself just fine, but Gage cares deeply for her, and seeing her in danger brings out his protective instincts. He is obviously willing to put himself in harm’s way for her, even as she insists she can handle things. Their interactions are realistic, and I was cheering for them!

The child kidnapping case was of particular interest to me. Adoptive parents are learning that their babies weren’t adopted legally, but were stolen from their biological parents. I was adopted as an infant. My parents never kept that from me, and they loved me as much as any birth parents could have. (For the record, I’ve met both of my birth parents, with siblings on both sides. They’re all fantastic and I vote to keep them!) I cannot imagine the shock and horror they would have felt to be told that I wasn’t really theirs after all. Man. I really wanted to see Gage drop the doomhammer of justice on the nasty people who’d do such a terrible thing to people, who’d take advantage of a couple’s deep desire to have children for the benefit of filthy lucre. (Small spoiler: Gage drops the doomhammer.)

Romance, conflict, good guys, bad guys, action, tension, this book has it ALL. And it’s clean to boot! If you’re looking for a wild ride of a story that will make you gasp, bite your nails, and cheer, Facing the Enemy is for you. Just be prepared to lose a lot of sleep, because she’ll definitely keep you up past your bedtime.

Five big ol’ Texas-sized stars from me!

Facing the Enemy is another excellent romantic suspense novel from DiAnn Mills. She knows how to give her readers a story with action, romance, and compelling characters. FBI Special Agent Risa Jacobs is distraught over the tragic death of her brother, Trenton. They had been estranged for years, and had finally got together over a dinner to celebrate his recovery from drug addiction. Risa finds a note saying she had been the intended target. She "takes a leave from the FBI" and begins teaching English at a Community College. One of her students turns in a short story that reads as an eye witness account of her brother's death. Risa turns to her FBI partner, Special Agent Gage Patterson, for help. Gage is working a string of baby kidnappings, but agrees to look into her student, Carson. Gage's case is compelling and touches on the subject of illegal adoptions.

Risa is a strong character. She cares for Gage, but believes that with a target on her back she needs to keep a distance. Gage wants to protect her. It is obvious from the start that they love each other. I enjoyed the conversation between Risa and the counselor she sees to discuss her grief and blame. The author writes an excellent dialog for these characters.

I highly recommend this book, once you start you won't be able to put it down. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, for an ARC. The review is my own.

Another fast paced action story from the great DiAnn Mills. She writes complex crime stories with a blend of christian values. Her characters are flawed but aware and acknowledge their failings even as they seek to improve themselves. Recommend to readers who like a clean romance, action packed story.