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Behavioral Analysis Unit #3
Tracing a Kidnapper
Rescuing children is her life’s mission.
Saving this one is paramount.
FBI agent Madeline Striker’s new case feels deeply personal. The kidnapped daughter of tech CEO Jackson Rhodes is the same age her sister was when she was abducted. The kidnap specialist’s fierce determination to rescue Jackson’s child forges a powerful bond between them, but they can’t allow their intense attraction to divert their focus. Because a vindictive enemy is threatening the child’s life.
Saving this one is paramount.
FBI agent Madeline Striker’s new case feels deeply personal. The kidnapped daughter of tech CEO Jackson Rhodes is the same age her sister was when she was abducted. The kidnap specialist’s fierce determination to rescue Jackson’s child forges a powerful bond between them, but they can’t allow their intense attraction to divert their focus. Because a vindictive enemy is threatening the child’s life.
- GenresRomantic SuspenseRomance
256 pages, ebook
First published August 5, 2021
20 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Juno Rushdan
131 books1,575 followersJuno Rushdan is a veteran US Air Force intelligence officer and the award-winning author of romantic thrillers. Her books are action-packed, nail-biting page-turners with twists you won’t see coming. Critics from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, BookPage and Library Journal have called her work “heart-pounding James Bond-ian adventure”, “fast-paced”, “gripping”, “a thrill ride” that “will captivate lovers of romantic thrillers.” She is married to her own military hero and is privileged to have two rambunctious kids and a spoiled rescue dog. For a FREE book from Juno: http://bit.ly/JunoFREE. Be sure to follow her on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/BookBubJuno.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 25, 2021
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
As Harlequin Intrigue goes, this is a fabulous read. Juno Rushdan can write a romantic-suspense like few authors can and she excels at the shorter versions that Harlequin favors. The plot isn't unique, but the suspense is seat of your pants and the romance seems to flow naturally between two people who have put their romantic lives on hold for far to long.
Madeline Striker became an FBI agent because she didn't want other families to suffer like hers had. Her newest case strikes to close for comfort and the instant attraction she feels for a tech giant CEO is so not good. Returning his kidnapped daughter is the only thing that she should be interested in, not the tall, buff, smart and devastating Jackson Rhoads. Madeline can't seem to keep Jackson out of the investigation and she certainly can't control the passion he ignites.
Jackson Rhodes has lived for is daughter, Emma, since the day she was born. Emma and his company make up his entire world. When Emma is kidnapped, Jackson will do anything to get her back, even resign as CEO. He never expected the sexual attraction he felt for the FBI's kidnap specialist and it makes him feel guilty while Emma is in such danger. Together they sift through the leads, and one by one, they come to dead ends. But, even when Jackson complies with the kidnapper's request, Emma is still not safe.
As Harlequin Intrigue goes, this is a fabulous read. Juno Rushdan can write a romantic-suspense like few authors can and she excels at the shorter versions that Harlequin favors. The plot isn't unique, but the suspense is seat of your pants and the romance seems to flow naturally between two people who have put their romantic lives on hold for far to long.
Madeline Striker became an FBI agent because she didn't want other families to suffer like hers had. Her newest case strikes to close for comfort and the instant attraction she feels for a tech giant CEO is so not good. Returning his kidnapped daughter is the only thing that she should be interested in, not the tall, buff, smart and devastating Jackson Rhoads. Madeline can't seem to keep Jackson out of the investigation and she certainly can't control the passion he ignites.
Jackson Rhodes has lived for is daughter, Emma, since the day she was born. Emma and his company make up his entire world. When Emma is kidnapped, Jackson will do anything to get her back, even resign as CEO. He never expected the sexual attraction he felt for the FBI's kidnap specialist and it makes him feel guilty while Emma is in such danger. Together they sift through the leads, and one by one, they come to dead ends. But, even when Jackson complies with the kidnapper's request, Emma is still not safe.
October 1, 2021
Fantastic book. I read it in one sitting - finished at 3 am because I couldn't put it down. The intensity of the suspense kept me turning the pages, and the sparks between Madeline and Jackson added a different kind of tension.
CEO and single father Jackson's daughter Emma is the center of his life, with his business a close second. His life upends when Emma is kidnapped from right under his nose at the company's Family Day. Accustomed to being in control of his world, relying on others for help is a struggle. His attraction to Madeline, the FBI's kidnapping specialist, is a distraction he doesn't need.
Madeline's work for the FBI stems from personal experience. Her little sister was kidnapped when Madeline was eight years old and never found, and she wants to keep other families from suffering the way hers did. Her success rate speaks for itself and her determination. Staying focused on the search takes precedence over any attraction she feels for the child's father.
The twists and turns of this story kept me guessing right to the end. The kidnapper clearly had a very personal motive, and their vindictive demands and taunting succeeded in tormenting Jackson. Because of his control issues, Jackson can't sit back and leave it all in the hands of the experts. He frequently gets an idea and rushes to pursue it, much to Madeline's frustration. Attempts to rein him in partially succeed, only because Madeline insists that he work with her. Every time it looks like they have a viable suspect, something proves them wrong. Meanwhile, the kidnapper alters the demands, changes timelines, and carries out attacks that serve as distractions, misdirections, or just plain taunting.
I was glued to the pages as the team closed in on the kidnapper's identity. The intensity picked up as Madeline went off to follow a lead while the rest of the group pursued another. Unsurprisingly, Madeline had the right one and found herself facing the kidnapper on her own. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Madeline went up against a psychopath determined to kill her. The resolution was excellent, with Jackson playing a critical part.
I liked the romance between Jackson and Madeline. They connected over their determination to rescue Emma. Madeline's personal experience added to that connection. As they worked together, each found a partner who understood the stresses and requirements of the jobs they do. This opened their eyes to the possibilities of the future. The sparks between them continue to grow though they work hard to keep it under control. They mostly succeed, except for one time when attraction and relief combine in an explosive encounter. I liked that both agreed on poor timing but the potential for the future. One of my favorite things about this story is that there was no three-day journey to "I love you. Marry me." However, the ending gave me a satisfying feeling that this couple has a realistic chance of a happy future together.
CEO and single father Jackson's daughter Emma is the center of his life, with his business a close second. His life upends when Emma is kidnapped from right under his nose at the company's Family Day. Accustomed to being in control of his world, relying on others for help is a struggle. His attraction to Madeline, the FBI's kidnapping specialist, is a distraction he doesn't need.
Madeline's work for the FBI stems from personal experience. Her little sister was kidnapped when Madeline was eight years old and never found, and she wants to keep other families from suffering the way hers did. Her success rate speaks for itself and her determination. Staying focused on the search takes precedence over any attraction she feels for the child's father.
The twists and turns of this story kept me guessing right to the end. The kidnapper clearly had a very personal motive, and their vindictive demands and taunting succeeded in tormenting Jackson. Because of his control issues, Jackson can't sit back and leave it all in the hands of the experts. He frequently gets an idea and rushes to pursue it, much to Madeline's frustration. Attempts to rein him in partially succeed, only because Madeline insists that he work with her. Every time it looks like they have a viable suspect, something proves them wrong. Meanwhile, the kidnapper alters the demands, changes timelines, and carries out attacks that serve as distractions, misdirections, or just plain taunting.
I was glued to the pages as the team closed in on the kidnapper's identity. The intensity picked up as Madeline went off to follow a lead while the rest of the group pursued another. Unsurprisingly, Madeline had the right one and found herself facing the kidnapper on her own. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Madeline went up against a psychopath determined to kill her. The resolution was excellent, with Jackson playing a critical part.
I liked the romance between Jackson and Madeline. They connected over their determination to rescue Emma. Madeline's personal experience added to that connection. As they worked together, each found a partner who understood the stresses and requirements of the jobs they do. This opened their eyes to the possibilities of the future. The sparks between them continue to grow though they work hard to keep it under control. They mostly succeed, except for one time when attraction and relief combine in an explosive encounter. I liked that both agreed on poor timing but the potential for the future. One of my favorite things about this story is that there was no three-day journey to "I love you. Marry me." However, the ending gave me a satisfying feeling that this couple has a realistic chance of a happy future together.
October 25, 2021
This book was a fantastic addition to the romantic suspense genre. With a fast-paced plot and non-stop action along with some steamy romance, it did not disappoint. Jackson Rhodes is a wealthy CEO who dotes on his young daughter Emma. When Emma disappears at a company party, FBI agent Madeline Striker is called to the case. She is an expert on kidnapping, having earned her stripes after her sister was kidnapped decades earlier. Together, Jackson and Madeline have to follow the clues and find Emma before it is too late. There were some really unexpected twists and turns in the plot and more than a few red herrings. Most of the characters were likable and all were realistic, although a lot wealthier than your normal man on the street. All in all, it is an engrossing book, with lessons to teach about priorities and facing down your demons in life.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
August 26, 2021
Gripping, heart-rending romantic suspense
Madeline is the BAU agent assigned to lead the investigation to find Jackson's kidnapped daughter, Emma. The romance that builds along the way is deliciously steamy and intense, nearly overshadowed by the intensity of the search to rescue Emma before it's too late.
Jackson is no bystander in his story; his insights are integral to the case and I loved the way these two worked together. I was drawn into this story right from the start and I couldn't put it down until I got to the stunning and triumphant conclusion. I loved every bit of this story and highly recommend it for any reader who loves action and intrigue alongside the romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Madeline is the BAU agent assigned to lead the investigation to find Jackson's kidnapped daughter, Emma. The romance that builds along the way is deliciously steamy and intense, nearly overshadowed by the intensity of the search to rescue Emma before it's too late.
Jackson is no bystander in his story; his insights are integral to the case and I loved the way these two worked together. I was drawn into this story right from the start and I couldn't put it down until I got to the stunning and triumphant conclusion. I loved every bit of this story and highly recommend it for any reader who loves action and intrigue alongside the romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 22, 2021
A minute, or less, is all it takes. Emma is gone, just like that, when Jackson looks away from her for a minute!
Later, FBI special agent Madeline, who is the BAU kidnapping expert, is assigned to this case of missing Emma.
Fasten your seat-belt good because Madeline, with her expertise and fierce determination, is going to take you on a fast-paced and adrenaline-driven ride until the end.
Once again, the amazingly talented Juno Rushdan has presented to her readers this captivating and suspenseful TRACING A KIDNAPPER which I devoured in one sitting!
I would like to thank Juno for giving me the opportunity to enjoy her latest wonderful thriller.
Later, FBI special agent Madeline, who is the BAU kidnapping expert, is assigned to this case of missing Emma.
Fasten your seat-belt good because Madeline, with her expertise and fierce determination, is going to take you on a fast-paced and adrenaline-driven ride until the end.
Once again, the amazingly talented Juno Rushdan has presented to her readers this captivating and suspenseful TRACING A KIDNAPPER which I devoured in one sitting!
I would like to thank Juno for giving me the opportunity to enjoy her latest wonderful thriller.
July 27, 2021
Tech CEO Jackson Rhodes daughter has been kidnapped. FBI agent Madeline Stryker is assigned the case. The book had suspense and romance and it held my interest. I didn’t guess the ending. My main problem was the romance between the 2 main characters. I had trouble with the concept that the Father could be distracted from his worry about his daughter to engage in a romance. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
August 31, 2021
A moment of distraction, a child kidnapped and a frightening game of cat and mouse. Emerald Technology Corp CEO Jackson Rhodes is accustomed to being in control but his world is turned upside-down when his little girl is taken. FBI agent Madeline Striker is a kidnap specialist whose passion for her job is driven by personal tragedy. The two come together in a desperate search and find in each other something that they were not aware they were looking for.
Tracing a Kidnapper is a gripping romantic suspense. The insidious and vindictive twists kept me on my toes along with all of the good guys. I could barely keep up with turning the pages, I was so invested in the story. Jackson is a hero with strengths and vulnerabilities made clear in his actions. I had wondered how the author would make a doting father in the throes of such a frightening time into a romance hero but she managed it beautifully. Likewise, Madeline made for an intelligent, compassionate heroine. It is so satisfying to find strong and competent main characters but with just enough quirk or flaws to feel so realistic.
Juno Rushdan continues to top my list of romantic suspense authors. I can always count on her stories to sweep me up into the action and off my feet with the fall into love.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tracing a Kidnapper is a gripping romantic suspense. The insidious and vindictive twists kept me on my toes along with all of the good guys. I could barely keep up with turning the pages, I was so invested in the story. Jackson is a hero with strengths and vulnerabilities made clear in his actions. I had wondered how the author would make a doting father in the throes of such a frightening time into a romance hero but she managed it beautifully. Likewise, Madeline made for an intelligent, compassionate heroine. It is so satisfying to find strong and competent main characters but with just enough quirk or flaws to feel so realistic.
Juno Rushdan continues to top my list of romantic suspense authors. I can always count on her stories to sweep me up into the action and off my feet with the fall into love.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2021
Are you ready for some heart thumping suspense? Do you like crime fighting by kick-ass heroines? If so, you need to read this book. I am a big fan of just about any Harlequin Intrigue series book. There are several series now that feature the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit. This one is based in Seattle and they are working with tech CEO, Jackson Rhodes because his daughter was kidnapped from a work event. Madeline Striker runs point on this investigation and it means a lot to her because she had a sister who was kidnapped at the same age as Jackson’s.
The romance in these Intrigue books tend to be on the slow burn side, which makes sense because the kidnapping and suspense is the focus of this book (and this series). Both characters have to battle their demons. Jackson, who is used to being in charge, cannot control this situation. But he refuses to be left out of the investigation. Madeline is who she is today because of the loss of her sister. Both are vulnerable in different ways, which brings them closer together. Expect some twists and turns. This is a quick read that is hard to put down.
The romance in these Intrigue books tend to be on the slow burn side, which makes sense because the kidnapping and suspense is the focus of this book (and this series). Both characters have to battle their demons. Jackson, who is used to being in charge, cannot control this situation. But he refuses to be left out of the investigation. Madeline is who she is today because of the loss of her sister. Both are vulnerable in different ways, which brings them closer together. Expect some twists and turns. This is a quick read that is hard to put down.
August 23, 2021
Madeline the FBI agent on the case on CEO Jackson's missing daughter. She was kidnapped in plain sight and her father will do everything she can. Madeline is doing everything she can to find the kidnapper but the father isn't helping much when he decides to go off on his own and she must reign him in.
I really enjoyed this book. Seeing the process of who they thought the kidnapper was, trying to narrow down suspects and figure out who is behind the kidnapping was interesting. There was plenty of moments where the kidnapper was making sure to make things difficult and cause that father to go off and do his down thing when he was supposed to wait for the FBI's in charge of this case. The amount of love he had for his daughter was sweet he was willing to risk everything. Then it comes down to why was the daughter targeted in the first place. There was just more to uncover with each page and it really kept me hooked till the very end.
I really enjoyed this book. Seeing the process of who they thought the kidnapper was, trying to narrow down suspects and figure out who is behind the kidnapping was interesting. There was plenty of moments where the kidnapper was making sure to make things difficult and cause that father to go off and do his down thing when he was supposed to wait for the FBI's in charge of this case. The amount of love he had for his daughter was sweet he was willing to risk everything. Then it comes down to why was the daughter targeted in the first place. There was just more to uncover with each page and it really kept me hooked till the very end.
August 23, 2021
Tracing a Kidnapper was a action packed suspense thriller with some romance tossed into the mixture. Once CEO Jackson Rhodes daughter is kidnapped, the FBI is called in and what follows is a all out search to find the little girl before its too late. This is one of my favorite genres and overall it did not disappoint. I would recommend it to others that enjoy this genre of storyline. I received an ARC from the author, but am under no obligation to leave a favorable review all opinions expressed here are my own.
October 14, 2021
CEO Jackson Rhodes's six year old daughter Emily has been kidnapped from his company's family day. FBI agent CEO Madeline Striker and her team will do everything possible to get his daughter back. Jackson is frantic to get Emily back. I received a free copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This book has me guessing who the kidnapper is until the end of the book. The kidnapper has carefully planned every step. The suspense quickly escalates and I didn't want to put the book down.
September 16, 2021
I really love all of Juno Rushdan’s novels and I read a lot of Harlequin novels when I was younger but this new Intrigue has brought me back. The chemistry between Madeline and Jackson in typical Juno fashion is fast and intense yet very natural and capturing. From beginning to end the book is packed with action, mystery, frustration and triumph. This will be one that gets re-read and passed along to my fellow bread buddies!
September 16, 2021
What a great book. Special Agent Madeline Striker is on the hunt for a kidnapper of 6 Yr old Emma. Along the way, she finds that hunting for the kidnapper is harder than she thought. Love this book, has twists and turns. I couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
Jackson’s daughter is kidnapped and FBI agent MadelineStriker will stop at nothing to get her back. That is, if she can keep Jackson from going rogue.
I loved how these two interacted together, the sparks were definitely flying.
Absolutely loved this book.
I loved how these two interacted together, the sparks were definitely flying.
Absolutely loved this book.
Read
August 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Behavioral Analysis Unit (Book #3)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Behavioral Analysis Unit (Book #3)
Read
August 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Behavioral Analysis Unit (Book #3)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Behavioral Analysis Unit (Book #3)
August 31, 2021
High stakes conflict with delicious sexual tension between the H/h. Really good writing with a good twist at the end. I didn't see the bad guy until near the end.
September 10, 2021
Fast-paced story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Had me guessing who the villain was almost to the very end.
September 12, 2021
This book was light on romance yet loaded with seat of your pants suspense! I completely missed the villain too!!
September 18, 2021
Action-packed. Edge of your seat. Strong-willed heroine. Doting single father.
All this combines for a great story.
All this combines for a great story.
March 1, 2022
Dang it, now I need to read the others
July 31, 2022
After a shocking kidnapping Madeline must work with a distraught dad to bring his daughter home, while managing her growing attraction to Jack....can she separate her feelings from the job?
This is the basic premise of the story. A multi millionaire must work with the agency to figure out who has his daughter, while fighting his attraction to the agent that is there to protect him.
I liked the action portion of the book, but as another reviewer said the romance was lacking. In part, that could have been explained by the circumstances, but it just seemed like an afterthought.
There was no real development of why they were attracted to each other, and the ending raised so many questions as to plausibility.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but as with most of the interracial romances by Harlequin just to point that once again we have the lead female without a family, the male never interacts with her family, and she is never given a full description of her features, etc.
I also think that of this series this couple are the only ones that did not end the book with an obvious wedding about to occur...or even a relationship....just a trip to see if we will have a relationship.... I actually think this is more believable, but for other reasons it stands out.
Off the top of my head, only Naima Simone and Reese Ryan have characters that have a loving family or supportive friends of color and where the white male interacted with the family. Usually it is that she has no family, has a dysfunctional family (alcoholic, abandoned, orphaned, unloving, etc.) and no friends, especially not other friends of color.
This is the basic premise of the story. A multi millionaire must work with the agency to figure out who has his daughter, while fighting his attraction to the agent that is there to protect him.
I liked the action portion of the book, but as another reviewer said the romance was lacking. In part, that could have been explained by the circumstances, but it just seemed like an afterthought.
There was no real development of why they were attracted to each other, and the ending raised so many questions as to plausibility.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but as with most of the interracial romances by Harlequin just to point that once again we have the lead female without a family, the male never interacts with her family, and she is never given a full description of her features, etc.
I also think that of this series this couple are the only ones that did not end the book with an obvious wedding about to occur...or even a relationship....just a trip to see if we will have a relationship.... I actually think this is more believable, but for other reasons it stands out.
Off the top of my head, only Naima Simone and Reese Ryan have characters that have a loving family or supportive friends of color and where the white male interacted with the family. Usually it is that she has no family, has a dysfunctional family (alcoholic, abandoned, orphaned, unloving, etc.) and no friends, especially not other friends of color.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews