Attempted Mountain Abduction

by Jessica R. Patch

"A clean read that had my mind spinning and my pulse pounding." --Amazon reviewer on Cold Case Target

The only way to escape hit men in pursuit
is through the icy wilderness.

Hired to protect a murdered tech mogul’s daughter, undercover bodyguard Bridge Spencer never expects his ex-fiancée to blow his cover…while she’s trying to kidnap the child. But before he and former CIA spy Wendy Dawson can figure out whose side they’re on, they’re attacked. Setting aside his heartbreak, Bridge has no choice but to team up with the woman who abruptly dumped him in a letter three years ago. Guarding the child from assailants who are after her father’s top secret technology is priority one. But in the frigid Smoky Mountains, dangers are everywhere. The question is…which one is deadliest?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Elite Protectors

Book 1: Attempted Mountain Abduction

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance

368 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book was only ok, too much suspense, especially with a child. I wanted to see more of Bridge's family.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A former FBI agent (whom we’ve met before). His ex-fiancee who also happens to be a former CIA spy. On the run in the Smoky Mountains. In a blizzard. Attacks coming from all sides. A little girl they’re trying to protect. Not sure who they can trust, maybe not even each other. And a mastermind named Jessica R. Patch behind it all. If you guessed that ‘yes please’ flew out of my mouth so fast I choked on my tongue, you’d be right.

I’ve wanted to delve more into Bridge Spencer’s story since meeting him, along with his siblings, in the Texas Crime Scene Cleaners series, so I was really excited that Patch kicks off this new series with a book featuring Bridge as the hero. And what a story it is! I love spy stuff, and because some of these Elite Protectors used to be spies, the team gets to utilize all kinds of fun skills and tools and gadgets. It makes me so excited for the rest of the series, especially one particular ‘phantom’ character… but I’m getting ahead of myself. Anyway, Bridge is assigned to protect a little girl who’s already been the target of one attempted kidnapping, thanks to the world-changing tech her father had been working on before his murder. And the last person he expects to try and take Molly out from under his nose is exactly who does – his ex-fiancee Wendy. Ohhhhh there’s a lot of fantastic romantic and emotional tension between these two, and the high stakes they’re grappling against only amp it up all the more, so much so that I kept having to remind myself to breathe. And I complained about it for zero-point-zero seconds. Because this is exactly how I love my romantic suspense books to go.

Bottom Line: Spies and mercenaries and bears, oh my! The twists in Attempted Mountain Abduction by Jessica R. Patch just kept coming, and I enjoyed every single one of them. You’re also going to love digging into Bridge and Wendy’s backstories and getting to know Molly, as well as the dynamic between the trio that even made me chuckle a few times despite the whole ‘running for their lives’ thing. Bless their hearts, I wanted to follow them through the mountains with more blankets and food/water and ibuprofen and a shield bubble of some kind to give them time to rest. There were a couple of moments when I had to remind myself to trust the author because I had no idea how they were all going to make it out alive. Yet through the chaos and danger and complex emotions, Patch seamlessly reminds us that God is always faithful to make a way, even if it’s not the one – or through the means – we expected. Get ready for your pulse to race, your breath to catch, and maybe even your heart to heal as you find yourself thoroughly immersed in this wonderful story!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes after a bad situation people forget God had been their comfort and provider and as those memories dimmed so did their faith.”

This fantastic adrenaline-fuelled story whisked me away to the Smoky Mountains and introduced me to broken souls who learned to rely on God’s provision and learned the value in sharing burdens.

This is book one in author Jessica Patch's The Elite Guardians romantic suspense series.

I liked the author’s choice of using characters who still struggled with navigating life's roadblocks, who allowed God to soften their hearts, ultimately changing their journey. It was amazing to watch the progression once they were able to forgive. My attention was captured at the mention of deepfakes with regards to safekeeping and also by Bridge and Wendy's focus on providing the proper care and attention for Molly. Most of all, I appreciated the reminder to bolster my faith with all the ways God has provided for me.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Christian suspense!! Once again, Jessica has managed to take a mystery that I’m convinced I know who’s behind it, add a bunch of twists I don’t see coming, and completely blow my mind!! The characters are wonderful, have depth, and are realistic. She’s included an amazing neurodivergent older child that is precocious and endearing in her own special way! I believe Molly steals the show!! And there’s humor laced throughout the book in the midst of almost nonstop action. I love how Jessica includes such a strong faith thread throughout all her books, yet she isn’t “preachy” or judgmental. Her characters grow spiritually throughout the book, drawing closer to God as they realize He is their hope. The book is tied in to several previous books yet it is a stand alone. I would recommend reading the others first but it isn’t necessary and won’t ruin the enjoyment of the previous books when you go back to read them. And I think you’ll want to! Definitely recommend this book!!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting in the snowy Smoky Mountains is perfect for this story of Bridge, Wendy and Molly. Bridge is at a horse ranch, carrying out his assignment to protect a deceased tech genius’s young daughter when he unexpectedly encounters his former love, Wendy. Wendy has taken Molly and Bridge follows her to rescue Molly from what he thinks is a kidnapper. Neither of them understand the machinations that are going on behind the scenes, as a higher power than they can imagine wants to kill them and take Molly. The suspense is ramped up quickly as they flee from one danger to another, with what seems like headhunters coming for them from every direction, and uncooperative and dangerous weather conditions. There are some surprises and skillful misdirection by the author which kept me engaged and turning pages quickly. With faith as a part of the story, second chance love and a young, precocious child as the target, this book was fascinating and gripped me with the constant danger that threatened the trio at every turn. I really enjoyed all of the realistically portrayed characters, but my favorite was Molly, a child who stole my heart with her acceptance of their help and her total and complete trust in their ability to protect her. I didn’t see how things could possibly work out for Bridge and Wendy since both were stubborn and insistent that they would go their own way once they had safeguarded Molly. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Bridge’s team of protectors in the story as it gave the story dept and added even more action to an already packed plot. I was immersed in the drama of the story and kept guessing who could be trying to hurt such an innocent and intelligent child. I never guessed correctly, but guessing was part of the fun of reading this book. The author has created a fast-moving and cleverly written story of love, betrayal and innocence, all within the pages of this remarkably well-crafted story.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. What a wild ride.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a series starter, especially when it has ties to a previous series! That said, you absolutely CAN read this book as a stand-alone.
In Attempted Mountain Abduction, Bridge Spencer is an undercover bodyguard who meets up with former CIA spy (and his ex-fiancee) in a most unexpected way. Now they have to team up to protect his charge, young Molly, from those who want to target her to get to her father.
Bridge and Wendy both harbor emotional burdens, and I love how author Jessica Patch shows how the Lord works in each of them to navigate these burdens. Especially while under intense pressure to keep themselves and Molly alive. The twists, turns, and misdirections kept me guessing, which is something I always enjoy. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Leah Koskinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed! Literally from the first chapter all the way until the end. Easy read that provides a great distraction from real life!

[Candy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. I had never read a book with a neurodivergent person in it. I was fascinated with Molly. She provided humor in this book along with the suspense.
I thought I had it all figured out. I knew who the good/bad guys were. At least I thought I did. But, I was wrong, as usual.
Jessica talks about our hope in Christ in this book. The characters talk about how important it is in our lives. She does such a great job of including our faith and hope in Christ into her books.
I love reading all of her books. As I always say, I’m waiting (im)patiently for her next book.
Make sure you get this book when it releases soon.
Thank you again, Jessica.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Elite Protectors (Book #1)

[Harriet Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with everything!! The writing was phenomenal!! I sat in my chair feeling each emotion of the characters in this story. I could picture each scene as if I was there. The suspense was non stop and the plot twists were total surprises!! This book was filled with suspense, intrigue, action, romance and a true belief in Jesus. I have loved each book that I’ve read but this one is my new favorite!! A must read!!

I voluntarily received an Arc copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an explosive book. It had me from page one. I loved the story of Wendy, Bridge and Molly. It begins with Bridge being a hired bodyguard for Molly who was sent to a horse camp by her uncle after an attempted abduction at her boarding school. The story continues as all their lives are on the line trying to stay alive. Join this wild, suspensiveful ride as they strive have no idea who to trust. This is a must read for all romantic suspense fans.

[Amanda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attempted Mountain Abduction is a suspense book you won’t want to put down. It involves a long lost love, a neurodivergent child, multiple hit men, a snow storm, wild animals, and so much more. I had to keep turning the pages! It is so well written that the characters felt like real life friends of mine and I was fully invested in their story! Don’t miss this one!

[Jessica Gwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attempted Mountain Abduction is so good! I loved finally getting to read Bridge’s Story. All the Spencer siblings’ stories are amazing. I especially enjoyed this second chance romance and the inclusion of Molly with all her neurodivergent quirks.
Patch often keeps me hanging until the end for answers and I love her for it.
I cannot wait for the next in the series!

[Melanie Ollila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This love inspired suspense give you all the tropes:
Lovers to enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Rescue mission

MMC Bridge Spencer is former FBI turned body guard, hired to protect a child who has lost her father while she goes to horse camp.

FMC Wendy Dawson, former CIA, is on her own mission to protect the child because she knows other secrets, but is she protecting her or bringing her under harm?

I appreciated the depiction of the young girl who is neurodivergent, gifted with a photographic memory that is hiding a clue from her deceased father’s research.

This mountain is treacherous with hitmen on a mission to collect a reward to bring their prey down off the mountain. It is a wild chase that is made challenging with distrust between the MMC and FMC!

I like the premise, the plot and the unfolding of who dunnit. My biggest criticism is that there’s just too many hitmen coming at them, there’s an over abundance of “chase scenes”.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting book ushers in the Elite Protectors series. The masterfully plotted, fast-paced storyline featuring pulse-pounding action, intense suspense, and unexpected twists kept me turning pages and speculating about the outcome. Complex, believable characters drive the plot. Endearing, highly intelligent ten-year-old Molly captured my heart! I admire Wendy and Bridge's perseverance and courage as they deal with dangerous situations involving treacherous weather, wild animals, and persistent assailants while also protecting Molly. I love how Wendy and Bridge grow in their faith in the midst of their difficulties and navigate the possibilities of a second chance romantic relationship. A richly detailed mountain setting intensifies the suspense and danger. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Athene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attempted Mountain Abduction by Jessica R. Patch is a fun read!
The characters were introduced in other books by the author, but I think it’s ok to read as a standalone, as you get the hint that there is backstory, but it’s not required to understand this book or enjoy it.
This book is full of action, but it’s not gory or anything. The author gives you enough information to create the scene, but leaves much of the gory detail to your imagination, which I appreciate!
I don’t want to give away plot points, so I won’t go into the story itself, but it’s an enjoyable read that is fast paced.
I enjoyed the characters development and growth through the book.
I have read many other books by this author, and this book is as good as the rest in the inspired suspense line. It’s not quite as good as offerings like Garden Girls and The Other Sister, as the character development and storylines are quite different because the author is not writing them to fit into this particular genre. (If that makes sense?)
Overall, an enjoyable read that is well paced and thoughtfully written.
I did receive an advanced copy of this book, however the opinions in this review are my own, and I was not instructed to give anything other than my honest review.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is one of the most intense LIS novels I have ever read! The action kicked off from the first few pages and never let up.

I held my breath through most of the story, which is becoming a common occurrence for me when I read this author. And I love it!

My favorite aspect of the story is Molly. She’s a pint sized human computer, has an unbelievable eidetic memory, and she’s neurodivergent. She is very well written and you’re going to fall for her, I guarantee it.

Not to say the other characters are slouches! But it is so refreshing to see a character like Molly, especially one so young.

Patch did a masterful job on this story. And the ending just might surprise you. It definitely caught me by surprise, and that’s hard to do!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommended!

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on for the ride of your life. This book is packed full of action and suspense! I had a great deal of fun reading it. In the high mountains, struggling against all odds, Bridge and Wendy have to face their past to be able to protect Molly from falling into the wrong hands. But who really is the “wrong” hands? Who do they trust? Can they trust each other, or will they both end up losing the battle and maybe their lives?
Jessica Patch has done it again. She has brought us a book that you can’t put down or stop reading. She does such a fantastic job of adding twists and turns to this story that you never really know who the bad guy is until the very end. I love mystery and suspense, and solving crimes, but she has such a skill that I was totally thrown off. When I got to the “who done it” part, I was taken by surprise. This, to me, is what makes a fantastic author!
I know one thing, I don’t ever want to be one of her characters in her books. They all seem to go through so much! Throughout this book, I kept shaking my head and thinking, things couldn’t get any worse, right? Uuumm, wrong! It just kept coming and coming!
I learned some new things about the Dark Web that I didn’t really want to know. That whole world is so creepy!
Jessica R. Patch is an amazing author who will keep you in your seat and keep you reading long after it’s time to stop. She has just the right way with words, and even though her stories can be creepy, scary, and suspenseful, she weaves into each story some wonderful messages of God’s grace and mercy. There are also some fun characters and sweet romance stitched into this book.
I highly recommend picking up this book. However, I need to warn you that you might not get much sleep until you finish reading it!

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Elite Protectors (Book #1)

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love books that are action packed? How about books with FBI agents, spies and phantoms? Then this is the book for you. You have Bridge who is in another series by this author, though you don't need to read them before this one, who has the job of protecting a young girl. He has a feeling that something bad is about to happen, when all of the sudden someone takes the girl. Who else but his former fiance, Wendy. Why is she there to take the little girl, Molly who has just lost her Dad and she is neurodivergent? A new word for me, which I had to look up, and made me love this story even more. I felt closer to the characters because of this, makes me understand my children even more. Who do they trust, can they even trust one another, also who and why are there people after them? Settle down in a comfy chair and get ready to go on one action packed adventure. Can't wait for the rest of the books in this new series! This had me laughing, "He's not being humble, Nanny Wendy. He's being arrogant." Even with everything else going on in the book, I love how the author also gives us hope. Like this, "Even in the aftermath of her wrong choices, God has been gracious and merciful." So very true. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own thoughts of this book.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten your seatbelts before you start this one because the ride will be bumpy and dangerous. Bridge Spencer has been hired to protect Molly. Her tech savvy father died, and she is in danger. When this assignment started, he never dreamed where he would be 24 hours later.

Former CIA spy Wendy Dawson broke Bridge's heart, and he has never fully recovered. So, when these two meet up, let's just say they are not shaking hands or hugging. Grudgingly they have to admit that they need each other to keep Molly safe.

The action was non-stop, and I do mean non-stop. There is nowhere safe as they run from threats with two legs and four legs on the mountainside. They also do not know who they can trust. Wendy and Bridge are tough and heroic. They take their protection of Molly very seriously. But Molly is the star of this story. Molly is neurodivergent, and she takes everything literally. Who needs Google when you have Molly around? She was so precious, incredibly smart and pretty tough considering everything they had to go through. I loved her explaining the definitions of everything they talked about. She was a walking dictionary. So, although I liked Bridge and Wendy, Molly was my favorite character. I look forward to more books in this series.

Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Attempted Mountain Abduction
Author: Jessica R Patch
Ch: 14 plus epilogue
Pg: 208
Series: Elite Protectors book 1
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publisher: Love Inspired



Attempted Mountain Abduction is the first book in the Elite Protectors series by Jessica R Patch. I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would as, I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances. Because I don't find them believable nor is the reason for the break up a good one. However with the romance in this one it is a romantic suspense with an equal balance of suspense and romance though it leans more to the suspense the heroine Wendy had very good reason for ending things with the hero Bridge Spencer whom readers will remember from the Texas Crime Scene Cleaners. The suspense and Molly the little girl in the story who is very much on the spectrum. And written well. As Autism is a spectrum and if you know one person whose Autistic you know one person. And the romance grew on as I read on. I will say I do prefer the author's romantic suspense to her thrillers. I loved getting to know Bridge more and Molly and even Wendy and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like to keep guessing till you turn the last page? Do you like to be on the edge of your seat for a thrill ride? Then, I have the book for you!
Jessica Patch has done it once again with this page turner. Bridge Spencer is undercover to protect Molly and he will do whatever it takes to protect her. His ex, Wendy, is actually trying to take the child, but has good intentions. Can they put their past behind to protect this child? Someone wants what this child has and it can mean death to whoever gets in the bad guys way.
This is an all stakes battle as they dodge all the danger that comes before them. As a gifted suspenseful writer, Mrs. Patch keeps you guessing and makes you want more. The way she describes her scenes and plot twists make me feel as if I am in the middle of the action.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is one of those reads that you can finish in one sitting.
Thank you Net Galley for my ARC and these are all my opinions.

[Linda Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridge Spencer is Molly Wingbender's undercover bodyguard> Molly's father has been murdered, and her uncle has guardianship. After a foiled kidnapping at her boarding school, her uncle sends her to a horse camp in the Smoky Mountains.

Bridge catches his former girlfriend Wendy Dawson, a former CIA spy, attempting to kidnap Molly from the camp. Before he can figure out Wendy's motives, they are attacked, leaving Bridge with no choice but to go on the run with Wendy and Molly.

After multiple attacks on their lives, they find out there is a $4.2 million bounty on Wendy's head. Can Bridge save Molly and Wendy? Can he set aside his distrust of Wendy after she dumped him 3 years prior? In the end, he must set aside his distrust because all their lives depend on Bridge and Wendy working as a team to protect Molly.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Bridge and Wendy's story! Though Molly tried her best to steal the show! Bridge and Wendy loved each other, and Bridge thought they'd be getting married and returning to his family's ranch. That is, until Wendy wrote him a letter to break up with him. Now, three years later, he's guarding Molly and Wendy tries to take her. When the real bad guys come after them, they have to team up to keep Molly safe. Through it all, Bridge comes to realize that he still loves Wendy. Wendy has to discover that she can't be in control of everything, and the only way she's going to be able to survive is to trust Bridge and God. Now, does she learn that lesson too late??

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything a great suspense should have and more. Intrigue, misdirection, realistic descriptions, and an unexpected revelation are just a few of the things that make this book such a great suspense.

Two people, Bridge - ex-FBI, and Wendy - ex-CIA, must put aside their feelings from the past in order to save a special little girl named Molly. Someone is after them during a snowstorm. Danger pops up wherever they go. Can they overcome the unknown enemy as well as their own issues to keep Molly safe?

The character of Molly added an additional layer of interest and concern, intensifying the angst. I strongly recommend Attempted Mountain Abduction as a riveting suspense. I received an advance digital copy to read and all opinions expressed are mine.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time for Bridge Spencer's Story and he goes undercover as a bodyguard to protect a murdered tech guru's daughter. He never expects his ex-fiance, CIA Wendy Dawson to blow his cover while she tries to kidnap his charge that he's been hired to protect. As they are trying to figure out what the other one is doing, they are attached and have to go on the run with their young charge. They must guard the child from assailants bent on going after her father's top secret technology. Dangers are around every corner and you don't know which direction it'll come from next. Just as you're breathing from the last attack, another one comes out of no where. I highly recommend this suspense-filled book! Great read Jessica!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Attempted Mountain Abduction. It is a Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense book with danger threatening Wendy Dawson from start to finish. She does have a love interest, Bridge Spencer, but their relationship takes a back seat to saving themselves and a little girl. The girl, Molly, is neurodivergent, which means that she is brutally honest, rigid, and extremely intelligent. I really liked all three main characters. Their knack for staying safe was thoroughly entertaining. This book was well written and had me turning the pages to see what happened next.

[Christina Menhennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looked so interesting I had to buy it. I had a harder time getting into this book. I believe part of it was because of Molly being a child protege. It takes a bit to figure that out which is why I gave it a 4 star instead of a 5 star.

I love how this book teaches you about acceptance, forgiveness, trust, teamwork & putting God first in all things.

The book involves AI, espionage and government spies. It definitely has plenty of action & keeps you guessing who you can trust.