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First Responders on Deadly Ground
A disaster drew them close
…and now they're in inescapable danger.
Ever since a powerful family destroyed his mother's life, helicopter paramedic Jude Castleman has burned for justice. Only now, working with widowed flight nurse Callie Fielding, does it seem possible. Discovering they are both linked to the same fatal chopper crash, the grief-stricken pair embark on a high-risk plan of revenge and closure…as they try to resist their even riskier attraction.
From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.
…and now they're in inescapable danger.
Ever since a powerful family destroyed his mother's life, helicopter paramedic Jude Castleman has burned for justice. Only now, working with widowed flight nurse Callie Fielding, does it seem possible. Discovering they are both linked to the same fatal chopper crash, the grief-stricken pair embark on a high-risk plan of revenge and closure…as they try to resist their even riskier attraction.
From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.
- GenresRomantic Suspense
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2021
13 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Thompson
84 books172 followersColleen Thompson began writing the contemporary romantic suspense novels she loves in 2004. Since then, her work has been honored with the Texas Gold Award, nominations for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, multiple reviewers' choice honors, along with starred reviews from Romantic Times and Publisher's Weekly. A former teacher living with her family and their latest rescue dog in the Houston area, Colleen can be found on the web at www.colleen-thompson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 29, 2021
It took me a bit to wrap my head around what Thompson was doing in this book, coloring perceptions based on life experiences, but once I let go and fell into the story I was hooked. Definitely made me think even as I enjoyed the escape.
August 9, 2021
I quickly found out that there was not a good place to stop in FIRST RESPONDERS ON DEADLY GROUND for even a short amount of time, because the vast number of unexpected incidents which were repeatedly threatening were never-ending. Just when I thought the lives of the main characters would not be in danger for at least a spell, another situation arose where how the next few minutes would play out was uncertain. Colleen Thompson came up with one riveting situation after another, and I became caught up in each one as the predicaments were so colorfully descriptive and believable.
As a flight nurse at LifeWings, Callie Fielding knows how a person’s life can be changed in an instant. While out on a call four years ago, her own life was altered and trying to overcome the repercussions has not been easy. She often currently works with Jude Castleman, a helicopter paramedic who recently moved to Texas. Though Callie never talks about the event in her past which took the life of her husband, she does reluctantly speak with Jude upon learning how he could be connected to that fateful night in a bizarre way. Both feel that justice has never been satisfactorily handed out to those who bear responsibility, and a concocted scheme just might help them have a future not filled with thoughts of getting at least an admission of guilt.
In this story about two people who feel they have been wronged, their reasons may be different yet any beliefs are definitely personal and backed by genuine reactions. Jude has lived for his whole adult life feeling as though others mistreated a loved one, but he has never fought to right the offense until now. He really hopes Callie will have the same opinion as his, and perhaps together they can find peace. As this couple come up with plans and then try to accomplish them, I frequently feared the worst would occur as they tried to reach their goals. Ms. Thompson certainly kept me intrigued as what happens could be frightening plus have deadly consequences. Along the way, there are lots of unanticipated turns, and I was truly shocked when several of the facts were revealed. FIRST RESPONDERS ON DEADLY GROUND is enthralling throughout every development, and the emotional moments are especially touching.
As a flight nurse at LifeWings, Callie Fielding knows how a person’s life can be changed in an instant. While out on a call four years ago, her own life was altered and trying to overcome the repercussions has not been easy. She often currently works with Jude Castleman, a helicopter paramedic who recently moved to Texas. Though Callie never talks about the event in her past which took the life of her husband, she does reluctantly speak with Jude upon learning how he could be connected to that fateful night in a bizarre way. Both feel that justice has never been satisfactorily handed out to those who bear responsibility, and a concocted scheme just might help them have a future not filled with thoughts of getting at least an admission of guilt.
In this story about two people who feel they have been wronged, their reasons may be different yet any beliefs are definitely personal and backed by genuine reactions. Jude has lived for his whole adult life feeling as though others mistreated a loved one, but he has never fought to right the offense until now. He really hopes Callie will have the same opinion as his, and perhaps together they can find peace. As this couple come up with plans and then try to accomplish them, I frequently feared the worst would occur as they tried to reach their goals. Ms. Thompson certainly kept me intrigued as what happens could be frightening plus have deadly consequences. Along the way, there are lots of unanticipated turns, and I was truly shocked when several of the facts were revealed. FIRST RESPONDERS ON DEADLY GROUND is enthralling throughout every development, and the emotional moments are especially touching.
September 16, 2021
Callie Fielding, an experienced life-flight nurse, suffers a moment of PTSD when she’s called out on a night when weather threatens the safety of her and her crew. It happened the same way four years ago when her life was changed forever. That accident left her a heart-broken sole survivor, and put her through months of both physical and psychological therapy. When she finds the same influential family has once again pulled strings to have first responders called in when not necessary, she loses her cool.
Jude Castleman has his own issues with the same powerful family, whose patriarch had destroyed Jude’s mother’s life. He’s relocated so he can finally pursue justice. As a first responder, he’s joined Callie’s crew, and quickly develops respect for the woman.
When he finds she also has reason to want closure against the mighty Kingston clan, he enlists her in his risky plan to bring his truth to light. Things get scary when Jude’s life is threatened, but Callie is already committed and won’t back down. As their plan unfolds, so does their attraction for each other. Danger continues to threaten, and a few plot twists keep things really interesting!
When I first started this book, I didn’t realize it was the sequel to, Deadly Texas Summer, a favorite of mine from last year. It wasn’t until Beau Kingston’s name came up that I made the connection. It was great to revisit the characters and setting from that exciting story.
This is another winner from Colleen Thompson. Enjoy.
Jude Castleman has his own issues with the same powerful family, whose patriarch had destroyed Jude’s mother’s life. He’s relocated so he can finally pursue justice. As a first responder, he’s joined Callie’s crew, and quickly develops respect for the woman.
When he finds she also has reason to want closure against the mighty Kingston clan, he enlists her in his risky plan to bring his truth to light. Things get scary when Jude’s life is threatened, but Callie is already committed and won’t back down. As their plan unfolds, so does their attraction for each other. Danger continues to threaten, and a few plot twists keep things really interesting!
When I first started this book, I didn’t realize it was the sequel to, Deadly Texas Summer, a favorite of mine from last year. It wasn’t until Beau Kingston’s name came up that I made the connection. It was great to revisit the characters and setting from that exciting story.
This is another winner from Colleen Thompson. Enjoy.
September 13, 2024
Loved it
March 5, 2022
Gripping suspense combined with a great romance. The beginning was intense as Callie and Jude are part of a medevac crew called out on a stormy night. Callie experiences a flashback to the flight four years earlier that killed the patient and all the crew except her, including her husband. When they discover the same wealthy family pulled strings for this non-life-threatening case, Callie lambasts the patient's entitled mother. Jude is furious when he finds out it's the same family he holds responsible for destroying his mother's life.
Jude recently moved to Texas from Arizona to take a job with LifeWings and investigate the Kingston family. He's worked with Callie multiple times and has a great deal of respect for her. Though she never talks about the crash that changed her life, Jude suspects she feels the same way he does about the Kingstons. When Jude explains his connection to the family and his desire for justice for his mom, Callie is all-in to help him.
The tension is immediately apparent when Callie learns that Jude sent a letter to Beau Kingston detailing the proof of his claim. She believes that Jude is in danger because Beau won't want the truth to come out. Jude is skeptical but becomes a believer when he is forced off the road and nearly dies later that night. Thanks to a complaint by the woman the previous night, Callie is removed from flight duty pending an investigation. Because of his injuries, Jude is placed on medical leave, so the two of them come up with a plan to get the further proof they need. Complicating matters, Jude's apartment was trashed while he was in the hospital by someone who was clearly searching for something.
I could not put the book down as Callie and Jude fought to stay one step ahead of those determined to keep Jude from revealing the truth. Their deceptive entry into the Kingston home ended badly and sent them on the run. Every time it looked as though they were safe, their pursuers would find them again. A couple of plot twists caused me to rethink my initial suspicions, and I wondered how Jude's quest would turn out. The final confrontation revealed some new information and a change in perspective. There was also one last attempt on Jude's life. I loved the ending and the surprise waiting for Jude and Callie.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jude and Callie. It began as coworkers only. Callie shut herself off from the people around her, still grieving her husband after four years. She refuses to let herself care for anyone again. Jude breaks through her walls a little when he pulls her out of her flashback and more when he invites her to join his quest for justice. Jude is attracted to Callie but backs off when she insists that she has nothing to give him. As they spend time together, Callie is dismayed to discover that she is no longer frozen with grief and that Jude stirs up feelings buried for four years. I got a little frustrated with her when she'd give in to the attraction then pull away because it was so unfair to Jude. He was aware of his feelings well before Callie was, and I ached for the way he hurt. It didn't stop him from caring or wanting to protect her, even though she didn't want to be protected. There were some harsh words exchanged when Jude's protectiveness took over. The catalyst for Callie's realization of her feelings created a nail-biting situation as she raced after Jude. What happened next was terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would turn out. The scene at the hospital was deeply emotional, and I loved seeing Callie finally let go of the past.
There was a secondary storyline involving Callie's mother and her abusive husband. I ached for Callie, who'd been trying to help her mom for years. There were some twists in that story as Callie dealt with her mom's issues while she was running for her life. I loved how the similarities between their mothers' lives influenced Jude and Callie's plans.
Jude recently moved to Texas from Arizona to take a job with LifeWings and investigate the Kingston family. He's worked with Callie multiple times and has a great deal of respect for her. Though she never talks about the crash that changed her life, Jude suspects she feels the same way he does about the Kingstons. When Jude explains his connection to the family and his desire for justice for his mom, Callie is all-in to help him.
The tension is immediately apparent when Callie learns that Jude sent a letter to Beau Kingston detailing the proof of his claim. She believes that Jude is in danger because Beau won't want the truth to come out. Jude is skeptical but becomes a believer when he is forced off the road and nearly dies later that night. Thanks to a complaint by the woman the previous night, Callie is removed from flight duty pending an investigation. Because of his injuries, Jude is placed on medical leave, so the two of them come up with a plan to get the further proof they need. Complicating matters, Jude's apartment was trashed while he was in the hospital by someone who was clearly searching for something.
I could not put the book down as Callie and Jude fought to stay one step ahead of those determined to keep Jude from revealing the truth. Their deceptive entry into the Kingston home ended badly and sent them on the run. Every time it looked as though they were safe, their pursuers would find them again. A couple of plot twists caused me to rethink my initial suspicions, and I wondered how Jude's quest would turn out. The final confrontation revealed some new information and a change in perspective. There was also one last attempt on Jude's life. I loved the ending and the surprise waiting for Jude and Callie.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jude and Callie. It began as coworkers only. Callie shut herself off from the people around her, still grieving her husband after four years. She refuses to let herself care for anyone again. Jude breaks through her walls a little when he pulls her out of her flashback and more when he invites her to join his quest for justice. Jude is attracted to Callie but backs off when she insists that she has nothing to give him. As they spend time together, Callie is dismayed to discover that she is no longer frozen with grief and that Jude stirs up feelings buried for four years. I got a little frustrated with her when she'd give in to the attraction then pull away because it was so unfair to Jude. He was aware of his feelings well before Callie was, and I ached for the way he hurt. It didn't stop him from caring or wanting to protect her, even though she didn't want to be protected. There were some harsh words exchanged when Jude's protectiveness took over. The catalyst for Callie's realization of her feelings created a nail-biting situation as she raced after Jude. What happened next was terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would turn out. The scene at the hospital was deeply emotional, and I loved seeing Callie finally let go of the past.
There was a secondary storyline involving Callie's mother and her abusive husband. I ached for Callie, who'd been trying to help her mom for years. There were some twists in that story as Callie dealt with her mom's issues while she was running for her life. I loved how the similarities between their mothers' lives influenced Jude and Callie's plans.
July 12, 2021
Gripping story of loss and to meet another that was also connected to the
same accident . A bond is formed to avenge what happened. Is the risk and the cost going to be worth losing the love that is growing between them.
The story flows with suspense. and romance and choices they make.
You will love Jude and Callie and their lives ahead of them
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
same accident . A bond is formed to avenge what happened. Is the risk and the cost going to be worth losing the love that is growing between them.
The story flows with suspense. and romance and choices they make.
You will love Jude and Callie and their lives ahead of them
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
August 7, 2021
Amazing, captivating, tense, and thriller. Once I started reading it couldn't put it down. Keeps you wondering what will happen next. I love this author. Her books are so spell binding to me. She keeps me on the edge of my seat when I read her books. I will probably reread this onw Just like I do A Deadly Texas Summer.
December 2, 2025
A roller coaster ride through the lower Texas valley
Colleen Thompson has done it again. Her books are full of passion, thrills, and unexpected twist. They start off on a slow moving roller coaster and gain speed until you are going up and down with thrills every moment. Her writing keeps you turning the pages to see what comes up next. I love this story between Callie and Jude and how both face family issues. Hopefully there will be another story in the future to follow up on their lives.
Colleen Thompson has done it again. Her books are full of passion, thrills, and unexpected twist. They start off on a slow moving roller coaster and gain speed until you are going up and down with thrills every moment. Her writing keeps you turning the pages to see what comes up next. I love this story between Callie and Jude and how both face family issues. Hopefully there will be another story in the future to follow up on their lives.
September 26, 2021
Twists, turns, and lots of wrecked cars. The author packed a lot into this one. I liked the ending.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews