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As a former field surgeon in Afghanistan, Heather Fontaine is used to life-or-death situations. She just didn't expect them to follow her home. When she returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house--and threatened her friends--she assumes it is the stalker who has been following her and creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble has followed her even there.

Luckily, a stalker isn't the only one watching Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it's what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead--and why--before it's too late.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason will have you looking over your shoulder as you dive into this fast-paced, suspense-filled story about losing control and finding something even better.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2021

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About the author

Lynette Eason

161 books2,640 followers
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

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5 stars
1,233 (53%)
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196 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 3 books1,637 followers
October 5, 2021
Wow, this one was an action-packed thriller! I especially liked that I couldn’t figure out all the plot twists ahead of time. This was a great story to add to the Danger Never Sleeps series. Only one more book to go, and I’m eager to get to it to find out what happens next in this heart-pounding series.

The characters were amazing. Heather was a wonderful lead to cheer for. She struggled to let people past her defenses and loathed exercise, both of which made her relatable. Travis made my heart flutter. He was a modern-day cowboy who cherished and respected women. Ryker was an amazing teen. It was tough to read about his troubles, but my heart broke for him, and I’m excited to learn that he’s going to be featured in an upcoming novella.

I was really happy to not be able to figure out the big baddie. My mind was blown at that reveal!

Melt my heart! That finale was such a delicious treat.

Content: a couple of replacement expletives
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,402 reviews1,336 followers
February 9, 2021
Another excellent suspense novel by a perennial favorite of mine. I had a little difficulty getting into the story until the kidnapping and then everything was full speed from there! I had a hard time knowing for sure who the bad guy was but I guessed it around halfway. One of my favorite parts was the Ryker subplot...he easily stole my heart from the first time he entered the scene.

Can’t wait for #4!

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. Review is based on a final copy paperback.
Profile Image for Sarah Grace Grzy.
629 reviews830 followers
May 17, 2021
Another suspense-filled ride from Eason! This wasn't one of my favorites, but overall I enjoyed the wild ride! I really liked Travis's character, and he and Heather had great chemistry together! The suspense kept me on my toes and I had no guesses as to Heather's stalker. As always, Eason throws in plenty of plot twists to delightfully confuse you even more!
Profile Image for Natalie Walters.
Author 10 books950 followers
Read
January 17, 2021
Quick pacing, intense action, Lynette Eason invites readers back to the danger in this newest release. One of my favorite things about series is returning to familiar faces. Unexpected twists and turns force the team to come together to protect one of their own. I think one of my favorite aspects of this story was the introduction of a minor character that the heroine could relate to on a personal level. It added depth to her story as well as to Travis-the hero-and made the plot that much richer. Active Defense delivers Ms. Eason's signature style that'll have romantic-suspense fans ready for more!

**I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. **
Profile Image for Tamara.
660 reviews12 followers
February 7, 2021
Normally, I am a stickler for colouring inside the lines, and reading books in order of series, but lately, I haven't been doing that. I read the first book in Danger Never Sleeps, but I seemed to have missed out on the second book ( I will get to it!) in this series, but my point being I didn't really feel that I missed a lot on skipping onto the third book.

Active Defense starts out with action and doesn't stop until the very end. I first met Heather in the first book of Collateral Damage and so I was familiar with her. Right away, Heather takes it upon herself to take herself out of a situation that she considers dangerous without telling her friends. We find out why she does this(more than once) but she has good reasons for why she does this, but it takes a while before she is confident that her friends truly do care about her. However, one friend, in particular, Travis Walker cares more than just a friend. I have to admit at first, I wasn't crazy about his character but as I got to know Heather's brokenness I started liking Travis a lot more. He has a heart of gold, but especially when it has to do with Heather. His care and love enable Heather to open up and allow some healing both emotional and physical.

I really enjoyed this third book in the Danger Never Sleeps series, and I am going to go back and read the second book before the next book in this series comes out!
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,108 reviews84 followers
November 18, 2020
I am a longtime fan of Lynette Eason. Her stories keep getting better and better. Active Defense is the third in the series Danger Never Sleeps. I am so glad there will be a fourth book.
This was thrilling, non-stop action and had twists and turns that I was not expecting. Good writing keeps you on your toes and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I could not believe who the bad guy was!
The heroine, Heather is flawed and haunted by her time as a doctor in a war zone. She also has trust issues from her harsh upbringing. Travis is one of a group of her friends who comes to her aid in trying to figure out who is following her and wants to do her harm. Travis is a staunch Christian and a solid, good guy. The secondary characters filled out the story in a credible way. I liked the makeup of the ensemble of friends and enjoyed seeing how they were there for each other. A nice touch was showing the empathy between Heather and troubled teen, Ryker and how Travis helped him.
Through the excitement, the characters’ faith was evident. A theme was: With God anything is possible to overcome.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.”
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 51 books1,095 followers
December 27, 2021
First let me address the fact that this is the 3rd book in the series. I’ve read book one but I wasn’t able to read book 2 (doesn’t time fly?). So with that being said, I think this book stands well on its own and you won’t miss anything if you haven’t read the other two books first. Now on to the book…

The number one thing I loved about this book was the plot twist. I totally didn’t see it coming and I don’t even want to hint as to what it is. It blew me away. Now granted I was already engaged in the tale. Trying to figure out what was going on, who was behind all the trouble Heather was experiencing and why. I loved how protective Travis was of her and that he had moments of vulnerability that gave Heather insight to his heart.

I also really, really loved one of the secondary characters and a couple of scenes with him made me tear up. All in all, this was a great way to start my 2021 reading year.

5 stars from me.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
Profile Image for Patricia Bradley.
Author 26 books961 followers
June 4, 2021
Oh, wow! Just when I think Lynette Eason can’t outdo herself, she writes another book! Active Defense is full of interesting characters and twists and turns you don’t expect.

I was captured in the first chapter when Heather Fontaine tried to save a suicide bomber. That would be enough to scar anyone and when an opportunity comes up, she takes a furlough back home to the States. She has friends who care about her, one in particular. She’s been on Travis Walker’s radar for some time now. And it helps that he has his own security firm, especially when someone tries to kill Heather.

Heather was a great heroine, brave, strong, but broken. And Travis hopes he’s the man to help her put the pieces back together. Brought up in the foster care system, it’s hard for Heather to open up to anyone or to trust. I loved the way Eason worked this out.

Another character I fell in love with was Ryker, a teenage boy that helped them. Just like Heather’s father beat her, Ryker’s father did the same thing. They connected almost immediately.

This was just a great book that I really enjoyed reading and think my readers will, too.
Profile Image for Gloria.
820 reviews63 followers
January 5, 2021
This series has all the elements that make an enjoyable read with the closeness of a group of friends who support each other, especially when one is put in danger. These friends are mostly former military and served in Afghanistan and are now back in the civilian world, working with the FBI, investigations and security, medicine, news reporting and so forth. Heather Fontaine is a surgeon, devoted to saving people. She grew up in foster care after being taken from an abusive father and doesn't like to depend on others. When she notices she has a stalker, she lets her friends know and when her home is broken into, she decides to leave town rather than put her friends in danger. People are unhappy with her after a video is released of her trying to save a young Afghani man who had a bomb strapped on outside the field hospital. He had asked for her helped before it exploded so she was led to try to save him. But he died.
Travis Walker owns his own security agency and is attracted to Heather so when she disappeared from town, he and other friends unite to find her. Once she is found, he watches silently to make sure she is okay but when someone runs her off the road, he rescues her and the danger is just beginning.
This is a multilayered plot of different events, suspects, and mysteries to unravel that kept me reading to the end. I enjoy Ms. Eason's style of writing with the friends tied together by their friendship and faith and how their skills work to help each other out. Suspense and danger push the story along and sometimes danger is closer than you think while other events are not as they seem. Another winner!
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Profile Image for Amanda Tero.
Author 27 books525 followers
January 1, 2021
Such a great continuance of the characters in this series. While all of these books have touched on PTSD in some areas, this one didn't seem to have quite as much as the others. But it still dealt with very real-life issues, such as child abuse and foster kids. Let's just say Ryker stole my heart.

I thought it got a little sappy toward the ending, but that's also me not-super-romantic speaking. The romance was overall well-paced though and Travis and Heather were sweet.

Once again, I did not find as much Christian content in this one. A few mentions of God and how individuals clung to Him, but there was not especially a Christian theme or lesson portrayed in the book.

I did like suspense very much. There were enough extra people around to keep you guessing who was doing what--or rather, to keep you from knowing who was doing what. The stalker part was not at all what I expected nor was the ultimate brains behind the situations. I liked that very much.

*I received this book from Revell and happily provided my honest review*
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 63 books1,624 followers
November 17, 2020
Another fantastic installment filled with suspense, friendship and love. Heather comes back from active duty to find herself stalked. Does it tie back to her service? But it can't. Soon she finds herself racing for her life and under the watchful care of Travis. As they try to solve what is going on, they grow closer. Another compelling read from a master.
Profile Image for Victoria Lynn.
Author 7 books612 followers
April 5, 2021
This book was super interesting. I enjoyed the twists and turns a lot.
Lynette Eason is one of the best Chrisitian Suspense writers in my opinion. I love the snappy, fast moving story line, and the characters were well-rounded and relatable.
This story-line was super interesting and it was fun because I didn’t actually guess the finale or the villain. Sometimes it is easy to guess beforehand, but this time, I had no idea.
My only two quibbles with this book was that it felt a little shallow, but however, was an enjoyable and quick read. And aside from the stereotypical “oh my gosh, she’s so hot” moments, that was it. I am super excited for the next book because it is about Caden.
If you enjoy suspense, quick and easy reads and books that keep you on your toes, this is for you!
Content: It wasn’t that graphic. There were definitely some wounds, Heather is a doctor so that perspective, but while there was some violence, I wouldn’t call it gory or even that descriptive. People got hurt and went to the hospital. That was pretty much it by way of descriptions.
*This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by the publisher.
Profile Image for Minxy Melissa.
1,735 reviews66 followers
December 15, 2020
Active Defense is the third book in the Danger Never Sleeps series and I loved that this story had characters from earlier books as a part of the story. Which was very nice since their friendships started when they were stationed together and I liked their camaraderie. Heather had always been a good friend but she was also the one to never ask for help when she needed it. She had learned a long time ago that there was only one person she could rely on, herself, but in this story, she was going to learn what it meant to let someone in. To appreciate what she had around her all along. It was just going to take a few life-or-death situations for Heather to see clearly and trust in others.

There were a few twists in Active Defense that kept me on the edge of my seat and even managed to surprise me. I really liked Travis in this story because he was a good friend to Heather and he never asked for anything in return, even though he did have a crush on her. There was plenty of action that took place and thank goodness that characters in this story had special military training because they really needed it. There are a few nail-biting scenes as well as some heart touching ones. Overall, Active Defense was an action-packed story that had a nice mystery as well as a romance that will melt your heart. It was a fun read and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!!

This review is based on a complimentary book I received from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
Profile Image for Loraine.
2,954 reviews
January 13, 2021
Dr. Heather Fontaine has returned from service in a hospital unit in Kabul, Afghanistan where a young boy tried to blow up the hospital unit. Now Heather is being stalked and it is beginning to freak her out. Her group of friends which includes both women and men in the service and protection industry are concerned about it, but Heather, having grown up in foster homes, tries to be in control and doesn't want to ask for their help. But as things get progressively worse, Heather has no other alternative but to accept their help.

Filled with twists, turns, and a totally surprise culprit, I enjoyed every single page of this novel. I especially like the relationship that develops between Heather, Travis and abused teen Ryker. Heather's sympathy was so spot on as she totally understood where Ryker was coming from. The relationships between the group of friends as they protected one another and worked on the solution to the incidents was so powerful. I have enjoyed every single book in this series and look forward to the final book that will be released in August 2021 just not soon enough for me to find out what happens next to this group of friends.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews198 followers
November 12, 2020
The title of this series is Danger Never Sleeps and it is certainly appropriate to this book. I was completely captivated during the reading.

Army field surgeon Heather Fontaine has come home from her deployment after a devastating event. Plagued by nightmares and near constant near nervousness, she never imagined that danger would follow her home in the form of a stalker. But someone is after her and may just be targeting her friends as well.

Travis Walker owns a security agency and begins to work with Heather to figure out who wants her gone from this earth. Travis has long admired Heather and has feelings for her and is determined to keep her safe while they work on this together.

Lynette Eason has a definite winner with Active Defense. I was totally drawn in from the very first paragraph. This series is really good! Tight, taut, and intense, this one will ratchet up the heart-pounding excitement suspense fans crave. Highly recommended. I was given a digital copy of this book by Revell Publishing. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.
Profile Image for Abigail Harris.
Author 26 books182 followers
December 23, 2020
I can always count on Lynette Eason for a thrilling ride, "Active Defense" was no different and kept me guessing the whole time!

I wasn't sure how I would like the book since it says it deals with a stalker, but I found the twists and turns of the plot to keep the story from being creepy and balanced with a good bit of action.

The romance and healing between Travis and Heather were darling and I love, love, love the family, brotherly/sisterly, and romantic bonds were woven throughout the whole of the novel.

I did NOT see the ending coming, it completely surprised me, I am always happy to come across a book that keeps me guessing, I had no idea who was behind the stalking as it was, and the way this was ended not what I expected.

I highly recommend this novel to suspense lovers!

And, Ryker, dear sweet boy, he needs his own story!

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
985 reviews13 followers
March 16, 2021
Active Defense is one of those novels that is a high level of excitement from the first page to the very last.

What a ride! This is another amazing story from Lynette Eason.
I'm always excited to read suspense novels from some of the best, and Lynette's books are way up there on my list of must read mysteries.
This book is full of danger, action, and mystery, and I'm pretty sure it's my favorite of all the books in this series.


Heather is such a great character. Because of things in her childhood days, she's pretty much decided the only person she can trust, about anything important, is herself. Yes, Heather is a person that must be in control. When she figures out she has a stalker, well, it definitely isn't pretty. It leaves Heather feeling very much out of control.


I enjoyed getting to know Heather as a person, and seeing the growth in her life as she faced some of her very difficult things head on, and then became a better person for it. Ms. Eason has portrayed this enigmatic main character as a lady with strength, and character, and one that was well worth the read.


The prologue begins with Heather over in Aghanistan, working as a surgeon at a field hospital, when she sees a young suicide bomber coming her way. He seems to want her help, but then his bomb explodes and he is severely injured, and eventually dies.


The main story follows this, and is after Heather has returned stateside. She's trying desperately to figure out why someone is after her, and keep that person from hurting her friends.


Travis, a friend of Heather's, is determined to help her by catching her stalker. She told him she doesn't need help, but he knows Heather well enough to think that the very fact she even told him about the stalker is her silent plea for help.


I enjoyed watching Travis and Heather get to know each other. This romance is sweet and a beautifully written part of the story.


Lynette Eason once again has written a suspense filled tale, that left me grasping at straws, and guessing at all her clues, until the very end.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,378 reviews45 followers
December 23, 2020
Danger Never Sleeps book #3

This romantic suspense story begins in Kabul Afghanistan with physician Dr. Heather Fontaine working at the FOB tent hospital set up for American soldiers and Afghani civilians when all hell breaks loose and from that moment on the story is filled with non-stop suspense.

Then, the setting switches to South Carolina with Heather attending a welcoming party for a colleague who served with her in Kabul. She is exhausted from not sleeping well and still terribly traumatized with what she witnessed in the war zone. Heather is really not at her best, furthermore, she thinks someone is stalking her.....and then the story takes us on a roundabout journey filled with ups and down....and yes she meets Travis Walker and handsome man that will save the day.... awe ...of course there is more to the story then this but it is up to you to find out.

I like this soft suspense drama nicely written to keep you on your toes and slipping pages to see what would happen next. Trying to figure out who the bad guy may be is a thrill. I was totally flabbergasted to see who it was; I didn’t see that one coming. I was totally drawn in from the very first chapter. The plot is concise, controlled and intense and is played out with wonderful down to earth cast. Being a Christian fiction the language and content is completely clean. The religious connotations said here may be heard by most of us under stressful situations.

“Active Defense” has a sweet helping of romance and friendship to go with the heart pumping moments... From time to time I love to indulge myself in charming read and I know most books by Lynette Eason or the publisher will take care of that.

I received this ARC copy of this book from the publisher Revell via the first reviewer program for my thoughts.
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books148 followers
March 22, 2022
This is a book that kept me jumping in my seat. Fast paced action and a surprise at the least expected moments. Great read.
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,156 reviews93 followers
January 5, 2021
Another great nail biting romantic suspense by Lynette Eason. The book features Heather, a surgeon who is being stalked and doesn’t know by who or why. This series has been very enjoyable and quite the adrenaline ride. This one is my favorite so far. I look forward to the next book by this author.
*I was given a copy of this book by publisher. This is my honest opinion
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,031 reviews42 followers
August 15, 2021
Lynette Eason never fails to hold me captive from page one til the end of the book. What an excellent and unpredictable plot! The suspense is truly her best yet in this series and I really had no clue as to the villain's identity until the end. The author is the queen of strategically planting the details and bringing it all together in one fell swoop at the end. I really liked Heather and Travis but their conversation and romance felt a bit stiff and stilted (but perhaps that was planned that way since they are both awkward in the romance department?). I totally sympathized with Heather's tough and painful background as well as Travis' innate need to protect and care for her. The faith thread and lessons on forgiveness and letting go of anger and bitterness were seamless and encouraging.

I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
2,905 reviews1,727 followers
January 11, 2021
I think I've lost the ability to adequately review/gush after voraciously listening (yay audible!!!) to this latest Eason masterpiece. I'm still reeling. Trying to wrestle my blood pressure into submission and get a handle on my racing heart beats.

First off, this is the third book in the Danger Never Sleeps series. Ha -- love that title because readers won't sleep until they reach the end of each book. They are that unputdownable. I read the first book, missed the second and then dived into the third without any problem. There are recurring characters and a suspense link that's going to tie these books together by the end, I think, but each one can be read as a standalone with a fully resolved suspense (and romance) element.

Heather's story starts out on a creepy stalker vibe and morphs into something so much more complicated. The pacing is incredibly well done and the way the author fits the multitude of pieces together to reach that 'aha' moment towards the end. Let's just say I was stunned! Still reeling, actually.

Love the back stories -- especially Heather's -- and the way it messed with her perception of love and happily ever afters. And I love that Travis wasn't scared off. Respectful, but persistent and oh-so-dashingly protective. Be still my heart.

(Funny random biblio trivia: I just finished reading another suspense before starting this one and the uber bad guy's name was Travis Walker who just happened to be a stalker! I mean, what are the fictional odds -- it took me a couple of chapters into Active Defense before I stopped cringing at the hero's name. Bwahahaha!)

Anyhow -- if you love romantic suspense fueled by faith and friendship this book (and the whole series) should definitely go on your TBR list.
Profile Image for Karin.
1,361 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2022
4+
Another good thriller in this series by Eason, this one featuring Dr. Heather Fontaine and Travis Walker, who we have seen earlier in this series as supporting/small characters. However, it is possible to read this without reading the earlier ones.

Although it took me a little while to get into this novel (perhaps because I read it on the heels of #2 so was adjusting to different main characters) I liked this novel. I am a bit short on time, so, in a nutshell:

Gritty, good plot twists, no slow or dull moments, enough action to keep you going. Mystery, etc. Real life problems and pasts. Well done.

I plan to read the fourth one in this series.

Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,850 reviews97 followers
August 12, 2021
3.5 stars

" . . . I think I might have something of a stalker."

When former field surgeon Heather Fontaine realizes that someone is stalking her, she determines to take matters into her own hands; her independent nature preventing Heather from asking for help, even though her close circle of friends would risk their lives to protect her. When matters escalate, she goes on the run, only to realize that the person or persons intent on harming her have no intention of giving up. Who would have a motive to harm her? Was it because of a life that she couldn't save, or perhaps revenge over a life that she did?

Travis Walker is not about to let Heather go off the grid for very long. Relying on his training and the resources of his friends, Travis finds Heather in a precarious situation; someone has just run her car off the side of a mountain and Travis must find a way to remove her from the scene as quickly as possible. Finding refuge in an abandoned cabin gives them temporary respite from the elements, but their safety is short-lived. Their attempts at being good Samaritans end up leading them directly into the bulls-eye, where an offense must rapidly become an "active defense".

Readers will certainly enjoy this author's signature blend of fast paced suspense and slowly melding romance . . . . it's a story that begins quickly and skids to an end with the most fascinating, and quite unexpected, twists and turns!
Profile Image for Donna.
801 reviews32 followers
November 16, 2020
Active Defense by Lynette Eason proves once again that she is at the top of her game in Christian romantic suspense. Lethal is the third book in the series and the characters from the previous books are woven throughout.

Heather is a surgeon who has a stalker. I really liked her character. She was smart and prepared. She had issues from being an orphan that she had to work through.

Travis was adorable. He owns his own security firm and is part of their friend group. He has been crushing on her so of course he was the first to volunteer to help her.

In Active Defense, Eason delivers a fast-paced story with a strong, lovable ensemble cast and a sweet, helping of romance and friendship.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive 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.
Profile Image for Staci.
1,701 reviews518 followers
January 1, 2021
Love that this series has a tie to soldiers serving in Afghanistan. In Active Defense, Heather Fontaine was a field surgeon and returns to South Carolina to work in a civilian hospital. Prior to leaving Afghanistan, she tried to save a suicide bomber which elicits strong emotions when a video is released. Now someone is trying to kill her. Who and why?

There are a lot of twists in the action and I never would have guessed the villain. Adored secondary character Ryder and the special connection he has to Heather.

Look forward to continuing this series.

My gratitude to Revell for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Libby May.
Author 4 books86 followers
January 27, 2021
Active Defense was a very good fresh look on suspense. I haven't loved Lynette Eason's work before, but this one was good for redeeming herself.

The Characters
The MC, Heather was a good character. Her distance from the people around her felt a little superficial, especially blaming it on one girl in a foster home. I feel like it's not fair to put distanced characters all under the stereotype of foster care without elaborating on their actual experiences instead of labeling them all the same. Otherwise, I appreciated the work she put into tearing her walls down. I appreciated that she understood her feelings for Travis and instead of denying that they were there, she tried to manage them. I like the pace at which this all happened.
Travis was a cookie. His personality was adorable. I loved that he felt "intimidated" by Heather, without letting it stop him from pursuing her. His determined protectiveness over her was beautiful without being overbearing or annoying.
Ryker had my heart from the start. He was what I would expect from a child in his situation. Better than what Heather had been trying to be. I loved the last part too with the cakes. He was so special.

The Plot
The plot pace was very well done. I felt like it was handled with very capable hands and designed in a way that allowed the reader to get lost in the plot. I will be reading this one again! It's one of the top suspense books that I've read. The resolution and answer at the end had me squealing in excitement and surprise. I was partially right about the person behind it all, but still held in enough suspense that I didn't suspect the person that was in fact the villain until the author wanted me to. Very tastefully written.

The Content
TRIGGER WARNING: There is talk and discussion of parental abuse and physical abuse in this book. There was some violent content. A few characters get shot, one character gets kidnapped. One is left bleeding for dead on a bathroom floor. Another of the characters are threatened. There's nothing overly graphic considering that this is a suspense book. If you are in the habit of reading these, then you'll enjoy it!
Recommended 16 and up for maturity levels.
Four Stars! It was well done, but it didn't hit my five star bell.
Thank you Lynette and Revell Books for a review copy! A positive review was not required and all opinions posted in this review are my own!
Profile Image for Lisa Johnson.
2,599 reviews36 followers
January 8, 2021
Title: Active Defense (Danger Never Sleeps #3)
Author: Lynette Eason
Pages: 320
Year: 2021
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
In the third installment of the Danger Never Sleeps series, readers are thrust right into the action taking place in the story. The book centers around the character of Dr. Heather Fontaine who audiences met in the previous books Collateral Damage and Acceptable Risk. The beginning scene is a flashback to Heather’s experience while serving in Afghanistan as a surgeon, working hard to save lives. Now she Is back in the states and is trying to reorient herself to life without the memories of her time overseas. While she is trying to adapt, her mind hasn’t been able to release the memories of things she has seen and experienced. In Heathers view, staying away from others would be the best thing so she isn’t a burden to them plus her past taught her to rely on only herself.
However, all that Heather believes will be challenged as her life comes into the crosshairs of someone who is bent on killing her. While Heather struggles to figure out who is after her, her friends come to aid and support her, especially Travis. Travis owns a security company with other vets, and he wants to help Heather as well as get to know her as more than just a friend. Will Heather drop her guard and let Travis and her friends help?
I was quickly caught up in the book from page one until the very end! The author does a masterful job of weaving a tale of suspense and thrills, without revealing too quickly the mastermind behind the attempts on Heather’s life. In fact, the ending took me by complete surprise! I enjoyed the elements of friendship, romance, faith and suspense. There were times I was reading where the description of the scenes literally took my breath away. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
I hope you consider reading this story and while you can read each book in the series as a stand-alone, I found it helpful to read them in order. Join the fun and grab a book to read and share with family and friends!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
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1,732 reviews
January 25, 2021
Field surgeon Heather Fontaine returns home from Afghanistan to find that danger continues to follow her with the taunting of a stalker.

An action filled suspense that kept me guessing throughout. Heather is a terrific doctor, quick thinking, and compassionate, even with everything going on she always makes time to help others. Ex-military and the owner of his own security firm, Travis offers to help her get to the bottom of the disturbing events that seem to follow her. Travis is a kind and confident man, though he can be very hard on himself, I loved his supportive family and friends.

This book can stand well on its own, and I loved seeing Heather and Travis working together, and getting to know each other better. There is great relationship building and interaction between them, in this fast paced read. Ryker adds a great dynamic to the story as well, he is a clever young man, eager to help, not shying away from danger.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining read that kept me guessing all the way through, I loved seeing familiar faces from previous books in the series. Another amazing romantic suspense from Lynette Eason, doesn't disappoint!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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