Member Reviews

One Wrong Move completely sucked me in! It has all the makings of a great romantic suspense: intriguing/cutthroat criminals, riddles, art gallery heists, endearing yet complex characters, edge of your seat suspense, sizzling but clean romance, and a touch of faith. I was completely invested in the romances, figuring out the mysteries, and seeing the bad guys get their dues.

Miranda “Andi” Forester was a talented FBI forensic analyst until an allegation of mishandling evidence destroyed her career. She insists she’s innocent, but with no evidence to back up her claims, she was forced to leave and become an insurance fraud investigator. Her latest case involves an art theft at a pricey gallery in New Mexico. While investigating, she meets Christian O’Brady, a security expert who designed the security system for the gallery. Is he responsible for the thefts, or is there someone out to entrap him? Then there are the mysterious riddles Andi begins receiving.

It’s a race against time as more galleries are robbed and their lives are constantly threatened as Andi’s past and her current investigation collide. With her growing feelings and attraction to Christian, can she trust him despite his sordid past? Will they survive whoever is out to get them?

Along with Andi and Christian are Christian’s brother, private investigator Deckard MacLeod, and Andi’s best friend Harper, who’s a forensic botanist. These two are assisting in investigating the art theft as well as the past allegations against Andi. Just like Andi and Christian, Deckard & Harper have a spark between them, but Deckard’s troubled past and Harper’s upcoming overseas mission seem to make a relationship between them impossible. As they all work to uncover the truth, they must rely on each other to survive.

I literally read this book in a day! It was so hard to put down. There’s a whole slew of characters to keep track of, but I found as the story progressed, it became easier to distinguish between them. I loved how both romances developed. While Christian’s and Andi’s relationship was the main focus, I can’t wait to see what’ll happen between Deck & Harper.

The suspense was intense with one action filled sequence after another. There are several bad guys and I enjoyed trying to figure out who did what and put all the puzzle pieces together. I loved the MacLeod ranch and meeting Riley and Greyson. I also enjoyed the bits of humor and faith interspersed between all the action.

Definitely a must read that’s impossible to put down! Highly recommend to Christian romantic suspense fans. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Was this review helpful?

"Taunting riddles. A deadly string of heists. Two broken hearts trapped in a killer’s game."
I finished reading One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey last night and wow! What a ride! This new romantic suspense novel had so many twists and turns, I found myself holding my breath wondering what was going to happen next. It’s the kind of story you do not want to put down. I really liked the overall plot and romance, while I also enjoyed a secondary plot that connected to our main character Andie. These characters were easy to fall for and I cannot wait to read more in this brand-new series.
This is a clean, Christian, romantic suspense novel. 4.5 stars
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I recommend this novel.

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed this kickoff to a new series by Dani Pettrey! Lots of good suspense and fantastic romance as well.

Was this review helpful?

One wrong move. One wrong decision. One misjudgment. That is all it can take to shape a life, for good or for bad. My favorite Dani Pettrey quality is how she takes her time. I never feel rushed when reading any of her novels, and One Wrong Move continues this trend. It perfectly balances “slow burn romance” with fast-paced thrill with a perplexing case that sends Christian and Andi reeling. If you like romantic suspense, One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey is the book for you.

A word of advice: Though you’ll be tempted, don’t read One Wrong Move at a breakneck speed. Dani Pettrey demands the reader’s attention. I found myself thinking about this novel, contemplating what might happen next, even when I wasn’t reading…and I couldn’t get back to it fast enough. Not only because of Pettrey’s masterful portrayals of excitement and loveable characters but also because, I will admit, I’d get lost sometimes. I needed to get “into the zone” when reading One Wrong Move. Pettrey packs the novel with details, plot points, and character histories. When I got distracted, it sometimes took me a few pages to sink back into the story. Not because I didn’t enjoy it; I did. Rather, Pettrey just covered every question I, as a reader, might have had. Metaphorically speaking, I had to fit the pieces back together when life circumstances slid some pieces off the table and onto the floor.

I really enjoyed the art heist investigation. Romantic suspense novels typically feature a missing person or a murdered sibling/parent; the art heist was new. How everything laced together with both Andi and Christian’s histories—chef’s kiss. Both characters aim to prove themselves in their lines of work, and they do both through their professionalism and their interactions with each other. Andi and Christian just…worked. Readers also experience some romantic tension between a couple other characters (no spoilers here!), which adds to One Wrong Move’s charm and appeal. Typically, I like for my romantic suspense novels to focus on one relationship. Doing more than one can feel rushed and cluttered, but Pettrey handles everything beautifully in her newest novel.

Likeable characters, a compelling mystery, fulfilling faith, and a believable mystery. One Wrong Move has it all. Bravo, Dani Pettrey. I can’t wait to see what else the “Jeopardy Falls” series might have in store.

Was this review helpful?

SENSATIONAL SUSPENSE!

Dani Pettrey has set the bar high for romantic suspense novels with One Wrong Move (Jeopardy Falls Book #1)! One Wrong Move was my first novel of the year, and I read it in one day. Pettrey has created an engaging plot that grabs your attention from the first sentence. “He inhaled the stiff resolution of her death.” You know this story is going to be compelling! Pettrey then introduces you to the characters. She starts with some villains first before bringing out her main characters. Her characters of Christian and Andi are relatable, engaging, fallible, excellent at their professions, and both have something to prove. Her plot involves two mysteries filled with riddles left as clues. One thing is certain, one wrong move and Christian and Andi will die! Pettrey has woven suspense, intrigue, mayhem, mischief, and murder on every page of this novel, and it is difficult to put down once you have started reading the first sentence! One Wrong Move is sensational suspense and not to be missed!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, this book has it all! From the very first page, my interest was captured and held until the very end by the masterful storytelling of Dani Pettrey. With well-developed characters, multiple POVs, and unexpected twists and turns, One Wrong Move is a thrilling read of romance and suspense with strong elements of faith and family woven throughout.

And in the midst of this romantic thriller, we get to see the beauty of the gospel at work. We get to see just how someone becomes a new creation in Christ and how broken roads in the sovereign hand of God can come together for the good of those who love Him.

Though this was my first book by Dani Pettrey, it will not be my last! I am excited to read more of her work, including the next book in this series!

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

(4.5 stars rounded up)

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book! It was action-packed, with a tasteful amount of romance and suspense. The characters are very relatable. I so enjoyed the multiple POVs.

Was this review helpful?

ONE WRONG MOVE, by Dani Pettrey, is book 1 in her new Jeopardy Falls series. Featured in this thrillystery is a family of 2 brothers and 1 sister who run an independent investigation/security company, (among many other skills), plus 2 best friends who work(ed) for the FBI. They are drawn together to solve a complex art heist with romance arcs, of course.

There isn’t much down time with this story. Pettrey begins with a very creepy scene involving the antagonist and then bounces to an intense scene where the primary protagonist is literally hanging by his fingernails. Heist number 1 is the next scene and introduces a bunch of characters and we’re off and running on this tale of intrigue. Those creepy scenes with the antagonist pop up every few chapters to keep readers guessing and to provide clues, or not…

Along with the art heists, there are personal mysteries for both primary characters. Pettrey does a good job of developing the backstories for these two and integrating them into the storyline. The romance was too quick to suit me considering the past relationships for the couple and the intensity of events they are dealing with. That’s the reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5

The secondary characters are very interesting and well introduced. This group could easily support a series that I would want to continue reading📚

Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

Was this review helpful?

“Family, of all people, should have your back.”

Come to Jeopardy Falls, a small ranching, lately turned tourist town of five hundred, and receive a warm welcome to Second Chances Ranch. The MacLeod family will be sure to treat you to an adventurous read and show you the lengths they’ll go to to protect themselves and others.

Brothers, Christian O’Brady and Deckard MacLeod, are owners of a private investigation firm, MacLeod Investigation and Security, Inc. While Deckard provides the investigative skills, his brother provides the security system analysis. The tension increases as the brothers are called in to investigate a friend’s art gallery which has been looted. As the suspects are identified, notes in the form of old poker riddles start appearing on the investigative team vehicles. Before long, it’s not just commercial security at risk - the team’s personal security is in danger. Who are these thieves? Why are they targeting the MacLeods?

Miranda ‘Andi’ Forester, a former FBI agent, now insurance investigator with Ambrose Global arrives in Jeopardy Falls on assignment. Her past ‘mistake’ now haunts her and she believes it’s connected to her newest case. When she invites her former colleague, Harper Grace, a forensic botanist with the Albuquerque crime lab, to clear her name and help with Andi’s current art gallery heist investigation, the two learn to work alongside the MacLeod brothers to solve the case.

Although it took me a while to get all the characters straight, I really enjoyed this story. It was a great mixture of adventure, romance, and faith. I appreciated the clean read and have added this new-to-me author to my auto-read list. Pettrey’s ability to engage her readers, provide unpredictable twists, and write simmering romantic tension is fantastic. Her characters are wonderful, the mystery is compelling, and the multiple POVs absolutely add to the enjoyment of this suspense story. This is a wonderful start to the Jeopardy Falls series and I can’t wait to read more about the MacLeod family.

I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Was this review helpful?

Christian O'Brady does security for his family business. When a string of art thefts calls their business into question Christian is determined to find out who is behind the thefts. Andi Forester is an insurance investigator called in to determine who is behind the heists. Both Andi and Christian have questionable pasts that they would prefer to leave in the past but it seems that others are bent on discrediting them.

I really enjoyed this first in the Jeopardy Falls series by Dani Pettrey. The suspense kept me turning the pages, my heart racing to find out how it all would turn out. I loved both Andy and Christian's characters. Andi was a strong woman accused of doing something she didn't do. Christian was a polite man with demons of his own to fight, but it didn't stop him from helping others, being kind and serving the Lord. I loved both of them together. They worked well together and bounced ideas off of each other well. The romance between the two was sweet and passionate! The secondary characters were also well-developed and I'm hoping will all get their own stories. A great start to the series and I am looking forward to the next installments.

Was this review helpful?

One Wrong Move is another awesome read by Dani Pettrey!

In One Wrong Move, Christian O’Brady, a PI and security specialist, works with his clients, using the knowledge he gained from his turbulent childhood to help protect them and their assets. Andi Forester, a wrongly discredited ex-FBI agent, is an insurance investigator who gets thrown together with Christian to solve a string of museum heists. Sparks and mayhem ensue as they race to discover who is pulling the heist and why it seems so personal. They are in a race against the clock to stop the thieves before more people die.

This story is another Dani Pettrey exhilarating adventure with car chases, flying bullets, edge-of-your-seat suspense, faith-filled characters, and a blossoming romance between Christian and Andi. I love the family dynamic between Christian and his siblings. They have a strong bond and use their gifts to make a well-rounded team. Andi, likewise, has strong support from her best friend, who jumps in to help. One Wrong Move is an excellent read from Dani Pettrey.

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

Was this review helpful?

Dani Pettrey is one of my go to author's, I know I'm in for a great action packed read, and this one did not disappoint! From bullets flying, bombs, fire, and dangerous car accidents, and throw in a bit of sweet romance, and it looks like there are more on deck!

This one is deep, and we are on a journey to find answers about the robbing of museums, but also answers to what happened to the evidence Andi was working on?

Loved how people are at the right place at the right time, but will answers come soon enough?

I also love the faith the main characters show, and yes, this is a great Christian read!

I am no looking forward to the next books in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who like romance intertwined with mystery will enjoy this book. This new series, Jeopardy Falls introduces lots of characters with a promise of more mysteries to follow. The art investigator aspect of the search was interesting. Looking forward to learn more about Christian's family. Enjoyable.

Was this review helpful?

I love this book. For me it was a little slow at first but the more I read the more I couldn't put it down till I finished. I loved the characters and their back round not being perfect. A must read. Hope to see the storied for Deckard, Riley ,Harper and Greyson as well.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 Stars

I've loved pretty much every Dani Pettrey book I've read. This one was good, but I don't think I loved it like I loved her other works.

The characters were good, and I loved how much of a gentleman Christian was! The character arcs were well-developed, and both Christian and Andi had different personal issues to work through. The romance was pretty decent, but it moved a little too fast in the beginning for me. There were other romance arcs with other characters woven in, too, and I think that was just too much happening all at once.

The plot was slower than I was expecting, so it took me a little while to finish the book. I didn't love how often I would stop reading to do something else because I lost interest. To be fair, the book is about art heists, which aren't really my thing. The plot was fine, but it felt like every other Christian suspense book I've ever read.

I could not keep the bad guys and their connections straight at all. I think part of that was just how cliche they were? They all read the same and felt the same, so I could not differentiate between them. There were villain POV chapters interspersed between the other chapters, but I had to keep fighting the urge to skip them. I did not find the bad guys compelling in the sense that I cared that they got caught. Some of the twists were pretty predictable, too.

However, I still mostly enjoyed reading this book. The Christian themes were great, and the romance was cute. The suspense part was just disappointing.

** Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for giving me an Advanced Reader's Copy of One Wrong Move in exchange for an honest review! These thoughts are entirely my own.**

Was this review helpful?

This book was so intense! It hooked me from the first page and kept me on edge all the way through.
I loved these characters and how well they complimented eachother. Thier chemistry was incredible. The plot line was well written with lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own*

Was this review helpful?

Releasing Feb.1, 2024, Dani Pettrey. a NTM author, hooked an avid reader in me with her novel One Wrong Move. The characters of Andi and Christian had me turning page after page to unravel the case of the art heists. Rooting for their success and developing relationship, it was their mutual faith that kept me engaged. By developing other characters in the story, I'm optimistic to see a couple more sequels. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Title: One Wrong Move (Jeopardy Falls Book #1)
Author: Dani Pettrey
Rating: ★★★★★

Dani Pettrey's "One Wrong Move" is a gripping addition to the Christian romantic suspense genre, reminiscent of the compelling family dynamics that first drew me to her Alaskan Courage series. In this novel, the intricate relationships between Christian O'Brady, his sister Riley, and his brother Deckard are masterfully portrayed, echoing the beloved familial bonds that Pettrey is known for.

The dual narrative of the art theft case and the re-investigation of the FBI fiasco that ended Andi's career is well executed. This parallel plot structure kept me thoroughly engaged, as I eagerly followed the twists and turns of each storyline. Pettrey's rich and vivid descriptions of Arizona not only bring the setting to life but also add a sense of wanderlust, making me long to explore the Southwest.

Deckard's choice to give Andi the benefit of the doubt is a highlight of the story, reflecting the themes of forgiveness and trust that are central to the novel. These Christian themes, particularly the emphasis on being a new creation in Christ and entrusting our futures to God, are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enriching the story without overwhelming it.

For those who enjoy the works of Elizabeth Goddard, Lisa Harris, and Patricia Bradley, "One Wrong Move" is a standout choice. Pettrey has once again delivered a story that is not just a thrilling ride but also a moving exploration of faith, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

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. 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.”

Was this review helpful?

his story is a great start to Dani Pettrey's new series. I will admit that at times I was a bit confused. It seemed as if I should know some backstory to the characters. But it could also just be that the author was creating more backstory to the main characters.

I immediately liked Christian, the rock climbing Private Investigator with a compassionate and calm demeanor. And the fact that Christian's first “move” is to pray, to lean on God is a huge reason I like him and this story. The faith element is woven in so naturally in the prayers of Christian. Love that.

Andi is an insurance investigator on the case of some gallery heists. She investigates the heists, just like the police would. And she has her list of subjects. At the top? The guy who installed the alarm systems. Who better to rob the place than someone that knows the system inside and out? His name? Christian.

Christian doesn't remain a suspect for long as both he and Andi work the case together. And the two of them have a lot of work to do to figure out what is going on and why they are being also being hunted.

I loved the twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout this book. And not only did the story focus on Christian and Andi but we met Christian's siblings and their stories are already anxiously anticipated.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, this story starts off with a bang and keeps your hanging on until the very end! I love that this is the start of a new series. I think this is the best book that this author has written since her Alaska series. I love the setting and I am eager to see where the next book takes us. The characters in this story have a lot of layers and I really enjoyed getting to know each of them. The suspense and mystery is fantastic and it is all a tangled mess of murder and robbery and past history. I loved it! There is a lot happening and as a reader you really have to pay attention because there are a lot of details and moving parts that conclude in the end. The romance I honestly could have done without or perhaps just not as much. It isn't over the top it was just kind of there and I thought it happened way too fast. All that to say that this is a great read and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend!

Five Stars.

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Was this review helpful?