Samantha Rochard and John Waltham have a past that ended five years ago when he left town. Now Samantha is somehow involved in a drug smuggling and/or child abuse-custody issue and finds herself threatened at every turn.

John Waltham is the new detective in town, but not new to Serenity, Arkansas. He hopes to find his place back to being Samantha's friend, and more if possible. But there are so many roadblocks it's hard to find a place to go with their relationship. Yet, he is the one stationed outside her house to keep her safe, while he's in a trailer.

This is not one of those safe house stories. They are not in one place very long at a time. And it doesn't matter how simple the next step looks, there is always a cliff hidden in their path. And the chemistry between the two! Even the other characters in the book want to hit them aside the head and tell them to stop being prideful and admit their love for each other. Yet, Sam and John still both question if they love, or ever really did love the other.

This is another intense romance filled with danger and mystery, or make that two mysteries. And the characters are fun. Sam isn't one to stand around and do nothing. And that just irks John to no end. So he tries to save her, she tries to save him, they both try to save others. There is a lot of action, I'm telling you!

Valerie brings out the aspects of being grateful even in the time of loss, and also the importance of giving others second chances in this novel. Samantha has to work through her troubled past and how she views things before she can move on. She thought God had forgotten her, but in hindsight she realizes He was there all along. Once she does, her faith starts to fall back into place.

Threat of Darkness was a book I enjoyed reading.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks . ( )

I chose to read this book as I have read several before from the Love Inspired Suspense collection of Steeple Hill. This book was definitely a quick read from beginning to end.

I liked the suspense part of the story the best. There were several twists to the story. Not knowing what the suspects were looking for I kept reading to find out where the story was going. I did have the twist figured out before the end, but it was still a good read as there was much more going on than just that specifically.

It was interesting to learn about volunteer case workers that work in the interest of an abused child. Samantha was a great character and her caring for Danny and his mom. She really supported them more than I think I would have if in that situation. Of course, her having been in that specific situation as a child would definitely make her understanding a lot greater.

The romance part of the book was okay for her. It definitely was not your sweet or sweeping romance. It was very different.

I would recommend this book to readers who have read from this collection before or those who enjoy christian fiction. ( )

5 STARS
Samantha Rochard is a nurse is in ER when she hears sounds coming from the curtain area so she looked and saw thin boy with a gun doctor on the floor. Samantha called 911 and dispatch new her voice. She went into the room and new the boy and talked him into trusting her to help the little boy. Give her the gun.
The cop that came was her old boyfriend that has been gone for the past 5 years. He wanted her to go with him. She wanted him to stay here with her. Lots of hard feelings.
After working till midnight as she was walking to her car her purse was snatched and told where is the package that the gunman gave her. John was waiting for her to get off work so they could talk and chased the mugger and got her purse back.
Then eveytime she turned around something else happened to her or her property. Even with the cops around and in police parking lot.
They did not know why things kept happening to her and who was doing it.
Besides being a nurse she was also childrens advocat and turned suspected child abuse in. One case that she was worried about was a 7 year old boy. Who the doctor did not believe his friend would do that. Also the police did not think he would. The second time he was brought in the doctor admitted him and they were working on getting paperwork to keep him from going home right away. The father and the doctor were arguing in the childs hospital room when John stepped in and as he protected Danny from a hit he was knocked out and his gun stolen from him.
The story was good. It did talk about prayers being answered and praying for help. No swearing or sex scenes but their was violence but not a lot of gory details.
I would like to read more books like this one. It kept my attention, had lots of action & drama.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
06/05/2012 PUB Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense ( )

Samantha Rochard didn't have a good childhood and as a result grew up to be a nurse and a special advocate for children. She can recognize signs of abuse and that's what she sees with one little boy whose father has turned his anger toward him. But when Samantha gets involved she becomes a target. John Waltham is the policeman who comes to Samantha's aid. They have a history together but five years ago John left. Samantha not only lost John but her faith as well. Now he's returned and she must rely on him to help her. Will Samantha find the faith she lost? Will John and Samantha get a second chance at their happily-ever-after? Danger is close at hand and when the bullets fly, who will be left standing?

I thoroughly enjoyed Threat of Darkness. It's a story that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last. It was the perfect blend of humor, suspense, action and romance. The characters were really fun to get to know. Even Samantha's dog. I appreciated how the author pointed out that lots of times we abandon or lose our faith when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we think He should. And sometimes we fail to see the good things that God sets before us. Those are things everyone can relate to. Although this story deals with abuse, you'll also find the subject of forgiveness at the forefront. So if your looking for a good, easy-to-read, romantic suspense, I suggest you take a trip to the small town of Serenity, Arkansas. Be careful now, and don't forget your flashlight, there just may be a "Threat of Darkness"!
*This copy was given to me by Harlequin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (June 5, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0373444923
ISBN-13: 978-0373444922
File Size: 476 KB
ASIN: B007JJSOYE ( )