Lethal Standoff
by Diann Mills
Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Justice can be elusive. Family secrets can be deadly. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle.
I RECOMMEND this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction.
"God does hear. He cares. The one thing I feel in my bones is His love.”

DiAnn Mills has written a spellbinding novel that kept me captive into the late night hours. The story begins with a volatile hostage situation with the heroine, Carrington negotiating for the release of undocumented immigrants. While the hero, Levi is covering the story for his publisher.

I loved that the story is in first person with both the main characters. As a reader, I really enjoy knowing what is going on in their minds. I found both their backstories intriguing. The author put the two through the proverbial wringer and had me flying through the pages. There were so many plots and twists. My mind was blown when the bad guy was revealed. This book hit my romantic suspense sweet spot. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to all my suspense reader friends.

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills is full of family drama. When two brothers hold multiple illegal immigrants hostage, demanding the murder of their father be solved before they'll discuss the hostages release, Border Patrol calls in private Hostage Negotiator Carrington Reed. Carrington is great at what she does because she doesn't stop with the end of the standoff, she invests in the people impacted by the crimes.
Levi Ehrlich is a reporter who works hard to uncover and report the truth, regardless of his publisher's promptings. He often finds himself where Carrington is shining her skills and he is intrigued. When he finds himself right in the middle of the danger with Carrington's most recent case he must make choice that could impact his career.
I like the story line of this tale. I like the characters and their influences on others. I am not a fan of first person fiction especially when it changes to various character's perspectives. I find it to be hard to find my rhythm in reading first person narratives. There were a few things I questioned along the way. But all in all I'm thankful for Mills sharing her talents and storytelling expertise by giving us this interesting Texas based saga. Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction for the opportunity to review this book!

Once again DiAnn Mills has produced another nail-biter with her newest stand-alone book, Lethal Standoff. It releases on September 3, 2024.

Ms. Mills has written both the main characters in first person. This brings a totally different tone to the book as the reader gets more perspective on what the characters are thinking. I am still getting used to first person, and in this book I loved it.

The story is about a hostage negotiator, Carrington Reed, and a journalist, Levi Ehrlich. When their story begins, Carrington has been called out to a hostage situation and Levi shows up as well to get the story. They have met before so Levi showing up wasn't a surprise.

There are a lot of things going on in this book. Both characters have some personal issues to deal with and need to get beyond them to figure out the issues at hand. I thoroughly enjoyed both characters.

This is a story with suspense, danger, love, hate, faith, and unbelief. The reader is taken on a wild ride with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. In the end, they receive a beautiful conclusion.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read Christian romantic suspense.

On a 5-Star Scale -5 Stars!

I would like to thank Net Galley, for my ARC copy of Lethal Standoff. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

I enjoyed this DiAnn Mills title very much. Mystery, action, believable characters. Good pacing, too.

Nothing is really as it seems in this excellent story from Diann Mills. Carrington and Levi make a great team professionally and personally as they dive in deep to find out what is really happening. Definitely one of my favorites from Diann Mills.

I received an advanced reader copy from Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Diann Mills has written another winner. I loved this fast paced page turner. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

"God does hear. He cares. The one thing I feel in my bones is His love.”

DiAnn Mills has written a spellbinding novel that kept me captive into the late night hours. The story begins with a volatile hostage situation with the heroine, Carrington negotiating for the release of undocumented immigrants. While the hero, Levi is covering the story for his publisher.

I loved that the story is in first person with both the main characters. As a reader, I really enjoy knowing what is going on in their minds. I found both their backstories intriguing. The author put the two through the proverbial wringer and had me flying through the pages. There were so many plots and twists. My mind was blown when the bad guy was revealed. This book hit my romantic suspense sweet spot. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to all my suspense reader friends.
I got an advanced reader copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel. The views expressed in this review are my own.

Carrington is a hostage negotiator and Levi is a journalist. After working a tragic case that doesn’t make sense, they begin to work together to investigate what is really going on. Immediately trouble begins for them.

This is a great book- very typical of DiAnn Mills. This is a unique spin to your typical romantic suspense book. The story held my interest and gave me plenty of intriguing twists. Just when I thought I had it figured out a new twist was thrown in. The romance was great. It did not seem instalovey because the backstory had the characters already knowing each other.

The faith content of this book was also intriguing. I found the fact the Levi was a Messianic Jew an interesting take on faith. I love that Carrington was able to see his witness and become interested.

I think that Mrs. Mills tackled many hard issues in this book from human smuggling to interesting health issues.

There is quite a bit of violence in this book, so if that bothers you then I do not recommend reading this book. If you want a book that will take you on a wild ride then would be a great book for you.

“The thing is, God can’t be explained. He must be experienced.”

I was completely blown away by DiAnn Mills’ exploration into why people explode into violent actions and if they are wired from birth with a propensity to commit unthinkable crimes.

Mills’ main characters, a hostage negotiator, Carrington Reed, and a journalist, Levi Ehrlich, play off each other extremely well, allowing readers greater insights into their characters. It doesn’t take long for readers to see that the negotiator and journalistic careers lent themselves to distrust. It’s the breaking down of this wall that keeps readers interested in these two characters, hoping that they’ll eventually find comfort in each other.

Mills’ examination of what happens when we allow fear and anger to take root and grow, is stellar. She shows that everyone at the scene, from the hostages to the media, has allowed their various stages of stress to cause them to seize desperate measures. There’s a warning in that for us.

I appreciated a reminder that we learn so much about ourselves and humanity by reaching out to others in times of need. Mills points out that we can do an effective job of helping others tear down “walls of sin’s devastation” and help them find hope if we are fully restored to God. What a beautiful thought that we can be restored when we reach out to help another.

My highlighter was busy and I was continually in awe of how Mills expresses herself.
“Kaleidoscope of considerations bannering across my mind” - just one of the many I noted!

I appreciated learning about the differences between Orthodox and Messianic Judaism, the fine line between revenge and justice, and between pain and purpose.

I really hope this new-to-me author, DiAnn Mills, hasn’t finished with the Outlier and her sidekick as I’m eager for more!

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

I can't recommend this Romantic thriller by Diane Mills strongly enough! This gripping and emotional story of hostage negotiator Carrington Reed and journalist Levi Ehrlich. She has once again written believable and flawed characters. Levi has struggled with past addiction and his religious family dynamics. Carrington is still battling with her childhood trauma and her vision problems. Together they find themselves at a hostage negotiation scene. Afterwards they join forces to help heal the damaged family.. All of a sudden they are in the middle of an investigation involving human trafficking and drug running. As the story unfolds Carrington and Levi find they are attracted to each other. Together they face the danger while trying to unravel the web of secrets. The quote in the book, Pain is a beautiful thing if we allow it to transform and restore us into the people God intended, explained exactly what the book was about. NetGalley and Tyndale House publishers provided a complimentary copy of Lethal Intent for my honest review.

Another great book by Diann Mills with a lot of twists and turns and surprises. A negotiator and a journalist team up to solve a crime and fall in love. It was interesting to read about Messianic Jews also. This book also had a very satisfying end. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

Kept me Guessing!

DiAnn Mills newest release, Lethal Standoff, is another keep you up at night kind of book. The characters are a unique combination of interesting backstories and occupations. It’s not just the suspense of the standoff that keeps you reading but also the need to know why it happened in the first place. The plot is masterful weaving of multiple threads that come together at just the right time to reveal the whole story. Great summer read, or anytime for that matter! I look forward to her next release.

Exciting and thrilling read! Refreshing to find a clean romance thriller. It reinforces forgiveness as they uncover secrets and mysterious circumstances.

In Lethal Standoff, DiAnn Mills crafts the gripping and fast-paced story of journalist Levi Ehrlich and hostage negotiator Carrington Reed. The action slows just enough to give insight into the believably flawed characters. Levi struggles with past addiction and family dynamics. Carrington battles childhood trauma and a potentially disabling diagnosis. Though they make mistakes, they both work hard to overcome their past hurts and fears. “Pain is beautiful if we allow it to transform and restore us into the people God intended,” said Carrington Reed in the story. I felt this quote embraced the book’s theme. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a surprising and satisfying ending.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

What a great book, and what an ending! Carrington Reed finds herself at a hostage situation, brought in as a negotiator. Levi Ehrlich, a journalist, is also on the scene. After the end of the hostage situation, Carrington and Levi find themselves drawn into an investigation involving human trafficking, drug dealings, and family dynamics.

Carrington deals with a major health issue and tries to avoid getting emotionally involved with Levi. Their relationship develops and Carrington finds herself attracted to Levi. They face danger together as they try to resolve the situation.

I got so caught up with the story that I didn't pay attention to clues pointing to the antagonist. Turned out to be quite a surprise.

This intense romantic suspense will capture your interest the moment you open the book. DiAnn Mills successfully intertwines danger with romance as you instantly connect with her characters.
Carrington Reed, a hostage negotiator, finds herself in a threatening situation with a man holding several hostages, men, women, and children, at gunpoint and making demands. She tries compassion and reasoning techniques, but his disgruntled demeanor challenges her skills. A family man is hanging by a thread and putting his life at risk as snipers are called in on the scene.
Levi Ehrlich, journalist, is out for an exclusive on the story. Carrington agrees to allow him to go beyond police lines if he obeys her rules. Little did they know where the ultimate danger this stand-off would put them in the days ahead.
Levi is an intelligent man who is easy on the eyes. Carrington admires him, but she cannot get attached because of a secret that forces her to keep her distance.
I give this novel five stars.
The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All comments are my own.

Twists and turns abounding, this new standalone novel by DiAnn Mills is a winner. Based on main characters Carrington (a hostage negotiator) and Levi (a journalist), the story requires the main characters to overcome their fears in order to get to their happy ever after.

The story itself was interesting as there was mystery to why the main plot event happened. As the book goes on, the characters back story adds texture to the story and makes for an interesting back story that you don't expect when you start the story.

Definitely buying for my library and recommending on. I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

I just finished Lethal Standoff and my mind is still reeling. There are so many twists and turns, secrets, and lies. Carrington and Levi never give up their search for the truth. The romantic suspense is off the charts. I highly recommend reading this book.

Posted on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209399741

Hostages are being held by the Kendrick brothers. Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed and investigative reporter Levi Ehrlich race to solve a crime before the hostages are killed. Levi was at odds with his parents over his Jewish religion. I had never heard of Messianic Jews so I was interested enough to look up what his parents were upset about. I would recommend this book to romantic suspense readers.

LETHAL STANDOFF by DIANN MILLS is not only an exciting suspense novel but it is also an in depth study of human nature as Carrington Reed, a hostage negotiator, and Levi Ehrlich, an investigative reporter, lay their lives on the line to not only intervene in a hostage situation, but also to go the extra mile in bringing healing to the Kendrix family by finding out the truth and finding justice for them. With Levi’s curiosity and Carrington’s compassion these two very brave “outliers” are well matched in their search for Timothy Kendrick’s murderer and the secrets that lie behind his death. As they work together will their growing friendship and similar goals turn into something more?…….
I really like Levi’s strong faith in Yeshua and the fact that he belongs to a Messianic church where the joy of the Lord and the strong message of salvation at the service she goes to affect Carrington whose faith in God has virtually disappeared.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you.
There are many surprises and the nail-biting tension will keep you guessing right to the end.
I cannot recommend this well written, thrilling, suspense-filled novel strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.