Fatal Vendetta

by Sharon Dunn

DEADLY SHOWDOWN

While reporting on a fire, Montana TV journalist Elizabeth Kramer is abducted—and saved only by the heroics of rival reporter Zachery Beck. But her kidnapper returns, taunting her, luring her to danger and making her relive a past she never put to rest. Elizabeth doesn't like asking for help, but this time she can't stay alone and stay alive. And Zach knows how to evade danger. When tragedy thrust him into the public eye, he changed his identity to remain hidden. Protecting Elizabeth means stepping out of the shadows…but as her stalker closes in for a deadly showdown, it's a risk Zach has to take.

Genres: Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired, Mystery Thriller, Christian Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 9, 2016

About the author

After almost 27 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She has three grown children and a busy cat named Sparky.

Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.

Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fatal Vendetta was okay. I felt like the characters got caught and then escaped way too many times in the story...and my attention kind of got lost when it kept happening.

I liked the characters and how they grew in the story. I also enjoyed the romance. Basically the only thing I didn't like was the suspense/mystery. It was more than just the capture/escape happening multiple times -- there were several things that just didn't seem believable to me (including the ending) and I got bored with the book.

All in all, not a favorite read. There were some things I liked and other stuff that bugged me.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fast-paced and thrilling tale. Elizabeth, an intrepid reporter, gains a stalker at a fire while trying to chase a story. Zach, her arch-rival in reporting, happens to see her snatched and rescues her. But that's only the beginning of the plans her stalker has for her!

So far, this is the best of Dunn's writing I have read. The plotting was particularly good, and I enjoyed the main characters and their growing relationship.

*Content: reference to a former rape and someone getting locked in a trunk.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This romantic suspense story is written with deep regard for long-lasting emotional states and traumas. A male and female journalist meet in a small town set in mountains and woods, but each is suffering from traumas that made them leave bigger cities. Before long the lady is being stalked and abducted by an unknown man, who seems more intent on frightening her than doing physical harm. She gradually comes to trust the other reporter to notify police or come to her aid.

Even knowing she is a target, even after the second, third, fourth time she is grabbed or knocked off the road, this supposedly intelligent lady does nothing to ensure her safety. As this is an inspirational book, we understand that she won't resort to a gun. But why not pepper spray? hairspray? a mugging alarm? an airhorn? a whistle? a panic button on her wrist? a home alarm? a watchdog? a terrier? a satellite phone? karate lessons? working in pairs?
The police do nothing much and her employer, even after the station vehicle crashes down a mountain, does nothing either. No mention of insurance. Why not a security guard, a police detail, an alarm on the studio, a satellite phone etc? Why does nobody suggest arming herself - this is America and her attacker is armed - and given the police would know all the odd people in the area, why didn't they go and question them?

This tale is one abduction or assault after another, one fight, car crash and roll down mountains and fire in the woods and swim across the lake after another. All nicely written, but too unbelievable. Pepper spray isn't legal where I live, but it is in America, especially if you say you need it for bears in the woods.

I read a paperback copy. This is an unbiased review.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story started out good, it was gripping and had a lot of suspense. However about a third of the way into it I started getting annoyed at how many times Elizabeth was attacked/nearly abducted and the way she behaved afterwards - it felt unrealistic to me. When the big reveal happens, why she was being targeted, I just found it to be far-fetched and a bit ridiculous. Not a book I'd recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

FATAL VENDETTA by Sharon Dunn is the suspenseful, well-written story of journalist Elizabeth Kramer as she tries to leave her past behind only to find the present just as daunting and no prospects of the future looking bright. Maybe with the help of her new friend and rival reporter, Zachery Beck, she can make her way to leave her fears behind – IF they both can survive.

Elizabeth left the opportunities behind and the dreams of a high profile report after a date-rape ten years ago. When see didn’t get redemption in the judicial process and all the bad publicity, she escaped back to her home town, a job at the local newspaper and to take care of her dying father. She’s determined to sniff out that big interview or top story that will get her noticed as a serious reporter. When on the scene of a fire, she sees what she thinks would be the perfect interview, she follows the man around to the back side of the building only to be abducted. Is the past going to repeat itself?

Zach is a man with a story of his own - one publicized way too much. He moved to Montana to get away from being the subject of the news instead of the one reporting it. Abducted by terrorist while reporting on the fighting in Syria, held hostage and being releases barely before his own beheading, his senses seemed to be on high alert. When his fellow reporter turns up off his radar, he goes to investigate her whereabouts foiling her abductors.

Seems that whoever is after Elizabeth isn’t going to give up. Will her new found relationship with Zach keep her safe or just put him in danger as well? Although Elizabeth has stirrings of feelings towards Zach, is there any way she can get over her past to allow more than friendship? Zach is a patient man and from his own experiences can spot a lot of what is going on with Elizabeth, but after he kissed her can he be happy with friendship or will it just be too painful? After many attempts by the abductor, can she hang on and continue to fight for her freedom and safety? Is it Zach that gives her that desire to fight? In helping Elizabeth face her fears, does Zach have to face a few of his own too? Can they get through their fears and come out on the other side together? Will they finally get the answers as to why the abductor wants for Elizabeth to suffer and then die?

FATAL VENDETTA is an amazing, face-paced, page-turning suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat while flinching when evil lurks in the background, pulling for the Elizabeth and Zach as their love slowly blooms, and hoping for peace for them both as they face their demons. The story, like a road map, may have you wondering in different directions, but the story lays out – detours and all – on a path that will have you giving a great big sigh of relief when you get all the answers and to the end of your destination. I loved the unpredictability and how the story ebbs and flows with excitement, danger, mystery and hints of love. I recommend FATAL VENDETTA to anyone that loves cozy mysteries, stories that make you wonder whodunit right to the very end, or just a great book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me in an unexpected way.

I enjoyed the thriller story line of a reporter with a past, hoping for a good future in getting the best next story to report on. She meets up with a handsome reporter who has the same hopes as she but seems to be there first in getting all the good scoops, the hottest stories. When the past comes back to haunt one of them it will push them closer together and yet farther apart. Can the pain of the past be overcome in order to embrace a better future? With trust in God and knowing that in the most painful of experiences he has a reason for all things.

I was at a low point recently and until I came to the very last page in this book, where the author writes to the Dear Reader:...I fell into tears, it was so loving written. Sometimes we have to go through horrid things in order to be better people for ourselves, for others for HIM.

**I won this book on Goodreads, in exchange for a possible review** I am glad I won it!

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story gave me the thrills I was looking for but the number of times they were captured and escaped really bothered me. It's fun to read and enjoy but it's definitely not something that I will remember as a favorite. Might check out more Sharon Dunn soon, though. Interested to see what's in store with her other stories.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok book. Elizabeth and Zach have a fun rivalry going on. Each tries to scoop the other in reporting stories but both have pasts that haunt them. I liked the way they didn't just blurt out their secrets to each other but it came naturally with their developing friendship. Elizabeth's inability to trust men was an issue that was completely believable with what all had happened to her and I felt terrible for her.
Zach wasn't a beefy, stocky man but he can fight! I loved that he had a conscience and did what he thought was right without thinking about the harm that could come to him. He was a strong man. I liked the story line and the characters. My only issue with the book was with the constant abduction scenes. It got to be too much and very repetitive. They were well written but there were just too many of the actual abductions and then the escape/recapture for it to feel realistic.
The book was a 3/5 for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[John Hanscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read these love inspired mysteries for many years now, and this is definitely in the top 10. The action does not stop from start to finish, it is not too "preachy," and both the male and female protagonists are strong.

[Melenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read finished in about two hours. The story didn't quite ring true with the police presence or lack there of, but overall a decent story.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Kramer, a journalist has had personal problems in the past. Covering a fire Elizabeth meets Zachery Beck another journalist. Together they try to figure out who is after Elizabeth. Very good story. The mystery is hard to figure out. The relationship between Elizabeth and Zachery is very good. Well written, like this book.

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Amazing fast moving,with plenty of action.Hold on to your seat,this one will have you holding your breath.A really,really good story

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons and tons of action! I read this book in two days and I really liked it allot!

[Sandy Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathtaking, non-stop, close combat action, that seems like a nightmare you can't wake from, the attacks just keep coming, the threat is not ceasing, there's no help, no escape, and the madness just goes on and on, until you have held your breath for fear for so long you feel like your lungs are busting. Seriously intense, toe-curling, violent and savage action and suspense. I felt like I had ridden a roll-a-coaster after I finish the story, and needed a moment to collect my breath.
The action is not the only case for the intensity of the tale. Both Elizabeth and Zachery has a past, that they are still working on overcoming. Tragic, violent events in their past have molded them as persons and changed their futures paths. Zachery learned to trust and lean on God and His guidance while he was held captive and encourages Elizabeth to trust in the Lord if she can't trust him as a man.
Confiding in the Lord, to guide them from the evil attacks, and to keep them alive, they embark to escape the insanity of the attacks, running and crawling for their lives.
The escape is one the most intense, vivid, and fierce action scenes I have read for awhile. The images the author draws into the mind of the reader are so clear, so animated, the terror of the characters crawls under your skin. As a suspense lover, I was amazed.
With all the action happening, I understand there wasn't much time to develop a deeper relationship between Elizabeth and Zachery. They did get to know each other well under the siege, and while working side by side, but to come from where Elizabeth was at the beginning, to being able to be in a relationship, I wished for just a little more assurance they had a fighting chance. Maybe an epilogue would have been ideal from the relationship point of view. But the suspense and action clearly were a winner and gave a thrilling, hair-raising story that I truly enjoyed
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure about you but I really like Sharon's intrigues. This book is well written, fast paced and full of action. I really liked her characters. I enjoyed the faith that was woven throughout the story like a tapestry. I know you will love this story.
Reporter Elizabeth Kramer is at the scene of a fire to report the story. She sees a man that looks like a man trying to hide. She follows him behind the building where he abducts her. She is saved by her arch rival but not before the man taunts her and threatens to destroy her. Her past is now coming back to haunt her. Can she survive that?
Zachery Beck was once a war correspondent. He had been held captive in Afghanistan and was about to be beheaded when he was released. After being caught up in a media frenzy on his return he changed his last name and hid away in Montana. He now write on a personal blog and find beating the beautiful Elizabeth to each story quite entertaining. But when she is abducted it brings back his past. He is determined to keep her safe but can he do that and risk people finding out who he really is.
A journey of two broken individuals struggling with their excess baggage. Each trying to live down their past but forced into the open. Can they learn to overcome their past and trust each other and reach out to God. God has a plan for these two and it is an awesome thing to behold. God has a plan for you too. It also is an awesome plan! God wants to have an intimate relationship with you. Take Him as your Father and watch Him turn your life around. God loves you!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Fatal Vendetta is full of suspense, action, mystery I did not want to put the book down. You were never sure who to trust. Full of danger, faith and a clean read.

The tables have turned and the reporters are the story. Elizabeth Krammer a tv journalist in Montana is abducted. Only fellow reporter Zachery Beck. notices and rescues her. Now they become the story. Both are hiding there own secrets.

Elizabeth and Zachery are competitors. They are both trying to help each other. to figure out who keeps going after them and why. They also have to dodge there fellow reporters.

Elizabeth because of being raped while at college does not believe she can ever marry. Now someone is after her.

I admire both Elizabeth and Zach. They have gone through trials and keep going and helping each other. They also decide that they will never harass someone who does not want to talk to reporters.

Lot of nail biting watching these two getting in and out of danger over and over again..

I was given this ebook by NetGalley and Harlequin. to read for free. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Fatal Vendetta.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard review to write. I really liked this novel and was drawn in immediately. I would say the first 2/3rds of the book was a 5 for me.
Two news reporters, both with pasts they are trying to hide are targeted because of a personal vendetta. (Okay, the vendetta is about her: he is trying to protect her) I liked both of these characters. I thought they were well written. The plot was intriguing and the dialogue between the character snappy. There were some interesting twists added in as well.
(Spoiler) However for me, there are about four chapters too many of them playing cat and mouse with the antagonist. At one point, (and I'm not making this up) I thought of Wyle E Coyote. Seriously, how does that coyote not die. These two characters made me wonder the same thing.
(End of Spoiler)
I did stay up way to late reading it. I just had to skim at the end though. The extra may not bothers others.

Rating: 3.5
Content: Violence, kissing, date-rape(mildly described)
Source: Netgalley

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Vendetta. I'm not usually a fan of reporters but this was a really good story with likable characters even though the main characters were reporters. I loved the friendly competition between Elisabeth and Zack to get the story first. The mystery was very well done and captures your attention in the beginning when Elizabeth gets abducted in the first scene. Lots of suspense. And slow building relationship between Elisabeth and Zach. I found it interesting how reporters don't like to be part of the story. They just like to report it.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful read that bring you up close with what it would be like to be not only kidnapped but scared when the person is never found.
The characters are developed enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The end of the story felt a little rushed while others parts dragged just a little. However the story is well developed.
AC from Netgalley

[Lois Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not usually read love inspired suspense books but I did like this one, the person after Elizabeth was not the person that I thought so the author got me on that one, this is the first book I have read from this author and I will read her other books, an enjoyable read.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line and writing was good. However, I thought there were too many kidnappings and unrealistic fighting. If someone got hit in the head with a baseball bat or punched in the throat, I would think they wouldn't be getting up too quickly.

[Harlequin Books]

"Strong characters and fast-paced action combine in Dunn’s latest, in which the characters learn that life’s trials are part of God’s plan and require acts of faith" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

[Harlequin Books]

received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews

[Judith Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those "can't put it down" books - loved it! Another excellent Goodreads win.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads win for me and I very much enjoyed it.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Kim]

I enjoyed this book very much. While reporting on a fire in the Montana TV journalist Elizabeth Kramer was abducted and fellow reporter Zack Beck rescue.

[Karen West]

great book