Flashback

by Gayle Wilson

A wounded warrior was facing the toughest mission of his lifeThe battlefield had taught Jake Underwood just how much could be lost in a single moment. So when he returned home, scarred and grieving for those he'd left behind, the last thing he needed was to be responsible for another person's life. Especially that of a missing little girl. But one look in police chief Eden Reddick's tear-fi lled eyes and Jake couldn't help but feel her frustration…and share her pain. Jake knew Eden was grateful for whatever investigative skills he could offer- until he uncovered a connection to her mysterious past. Now, as a heartbreaking case turned even more personal when Eden became a target, Jake realized that all he'd lost in his past was nothing compared with just how much he had to lose now…

Genres: Romance, Category Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Gayle Wilson is a two-time RITA® Award winner, taking home the RITA® Award for Best Romantic Suspense Novel in 2000 and for Best Romantic Novella in 2004. In addition to twice winning the prestigious RITA® Award, Gayle’s books have garnered more than 50 other awards and nominations, including most recently the Daphne du Maurier Award for the Best Single Title Romantic Suspense of 2008, awarded to Victim, her latest novel from MIRA.

Gayle holds a master’s degree in secondary education, with additional certification in the education of the gifted. Although her specialty was teaching honors and gifted students, as a former high school history and English teacher, she taught everything from remedial reading to Shakespeare—and loved every minute she spent in the classroom.

Gayle was on the board of directors of Romance Writers of America for four years. In 2006 she served as the president of RWA, the largest genre-writers’ organization in the world.

Gayle has written 41 novels and four novellas for Harlequin Enterprises, including works for Harlequin Historicals, Harlequin Intrigue, Special Releases, HQN Books, MIRA, and Mills & Boon.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ~ Eden's childhood had been wrought with tragedy; first her younger sister had been stolen from her bed without a trace, and then overwhelmed with grief her mother had committed suicide. To put the painful past behind them, her father moved them to small town Waverly where he'd become the Chief of Police. Following in her father's footsteps, Eden went into criminology and when the time came she stepped into the Chief's position. Jake is a wounded veteran. No one doubted his dedication to his country or the tremendous sacrifice he'd made. A brain injury has left him with weakness on one side of his body and with horrible PTSD type flashbacks. When a little girl is abducted from her bed in the middle of the night, Jake's flashbacks change from memories of his own traumas to visions of the missing little girl. At first Eden doesn't know what to make of Jake's visions but when they prove to be fairly accurate, she takes him into her confidence. When someone starts leaving reminders of Eden's sister's abduction, they can't ignore the possible connection.

I'm a huge fan of Ms. Wilson's Intrigues and was thrilled when this one was released. Though Jake's character is more subdued than I'm used in an Intrigue hero, he's one of those quiet honorable types that you wish would knock on your door and invite himself in. He's not afraid to cross a few lines to get to the truth and Eden supports that side of him. As Eden begins to trust him, they make a great team. The mystery is well done with a very satisfying HEA.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Harlequin Intrigue by Gayle Wilson that was published a few years ago. It was good. Not quite as much romance as I'd expect from a category romance but it was alright since the story's focus was more on the suspense/mystery/intrigue. This one was not part of a series nor is there a cliffhanger to drive you crazy.

[Vanessa Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gayle Wilson is a master at character-driven books. Both the hero and heroine are strong yet intensely vulnerable, and immensely likeable.

[Amanda Tuinstra ( Liefde voor boeken Amanda) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensie volgt op m'n blog

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting this book two days before Christmas is not the brightest idea. I knew I didn't have time to just read until it ended, and previous acquaintance with Gayle Wilson's writing should have warned me that she engages the reader immediately and doesn't let go, even when that reader is unable to continue reading. The mind goes on to play around with ideas and possibilities until it drives you crazy and you have to read again. So I spent the day alternating between Christmas things I had to get done and reading Flashback. I will be the first to admit that any book that puts a young child in jeopardy pushes all my buttons. I have been known to cut a writer off for eternity if they actually kill a child in a book. Mary Higgins Clark 25 years ago, for example. I just can't take it. So I worried my way through this book, thankfully short, but long enough to keep me on tenterhooks for far too long. And now can't wait to find another by Ms. Wilson.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I bought this book first because it was by Gayle Wilson, second because the premise sounded good and third because I was "intrigued" by the hero Jake Underwood. Injured with a head trama, a war hero and having flashbacks about a kidnapped little girl puts him at risk since the townsfolk assume his supposedly "inside information" means he's involved in her disappearance. Luckily the local sheriff Eden Reddick believes him and is grateful for any help he can provide. Jake and Eden were a good team as they raced to locate and resuce a little girl. Along the way they developed true and deep feelings for one another. Jake truly was a hero for a iittle girl, a town and especially Eden. A solid read.

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Underwood, a wounded warrior, knew from serving his country just how much could be lost in the blink of an eye. Returning home, he was scarred and grieving for those left behind, the last thing he needed was to find himself responsible for another life. But a little girl was missing and one look in the police chief Eden Reddick's tear-filled eyes and Jake couldn't help but feel her pain.

Eden was grateful for whatever assistance Jake could offer--until he uncovered a connection to her own past. Now, as a heartbreaking case turned more personal when Eden became the target, Jake realized that all he'd lost in war was nothing compared with what he had to lose now.

One of the best stories I've read recently.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different and exciting.

[Linda Klages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting storyline - will read more from this author.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

HI #1295

[Lea Wheater · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Gayle Wilson spins a mystery that you can't put down. Her characters are well developed and come alive as you read. Wonderful, fast moving storyline that does not "wrap up" a moment too soon! Can't wait for another one :-)

[Harlequin Books]

SQUEEEE!! A new Gayle Wilson Intrigue!

[Kent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Judged in annual Bookseller's Best Award.

[Lhenry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't grab me. It felt like a series of events with little emotion in spite of the excellent premise of an ex soldier with PSTD becoming psychic.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, solid romance/mystery. I would recommend to others.