Welcome to today’s TeaserTuesday blog hop, interview and review! We’re absolutely delighted to welcome back author Elizabeth Goddard, a self-confessed Star Wars fan (although not a geek 🙂 ). And yes, we’ve managed to slip in a Star Wars question to celebrate #StarWarsDay — despite Elizabeth’s book being nothing to do with Star Wars.

Or is it…?

*Find a picture of Sassy below to take a peek for yourselves!*

Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage, Book 1) by Elizabeth Goddard

: Review

Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard is full of action and twists.  Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats as they try to figure out the clues dispersed throughout the novel. A reunion romance, an intriguing mystery, and a theme that includes forgiveness are all the ingredients needed for a riveting story.

The plot begins with pilot Chance Carter crashing into Southern Montana.  Although he survives, his cargo disappears along with his rescuer. During a search and rescue mission former FBI Agent, now a Montana County Sheriff Detective, Jack Tanner, along with US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors, find a body. They later find out that the fall was not accidental, but a murder. While investigating the death they find stolen Native American artifacts in a remote cabin. Both realize that these artifacts are being trafficked, a la “Indiana Jones,” although this plot is much more realistic. The closer they get to the culprits the more danger Terra and Jack put themselves in. 

The relationship between Terra and Jack is based on forgiveness, healing, and hope.  As they work together, they realize that there are still feelings and question should the relationship have a second chance. Terra and Jack were college sweethearts until he left to join the FBI.  She felt betrayed after he walked away and just left a note. But as they work together, both realize that their feelings for each other never died. They have a chemistry, which provides plenty of romantic tension.

Besides struggling with the relationship, they are also struggling with their past. Terra’s mother died conducting a search & rescue mission in the mountains, and Terra is trying to live up to her mother’s heroism. Jack has come home to help his aunt who raised him and appears to be suffering from dementia.  He also wants to make sure he never turns into his father who Jack has no respect for.

Goddard builds the momentum page by page. This novel is a great suspense thriller filled with a shocking ending and misdirection. The author does a great job of developing characters with real flaws and issues to overcome. 

Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage, Book 1) by Elizabeth Goddard : The Interview

Elise Cooper:  How did you get the idea for the story?

Elizabeth Goddard:  I have been interested in the subject matter about artifact trafficking for quite some time. As I was researching about the heroine, I spoke to a Forest Service Special Agent in charge to find out what that profession does.  One of the things they investigate is archeological crimes.  It was the perfect opening.  This is how I could get the heroine, Terra, involved in the investigation since her expertise was needed.  I was excited to use some of what I read and put it into the story.  

EC:  Interesting about Eagle feathers?

EG:  Yes, they cannot be sold.

EC:  What about Janus, the ancient Roman God?

EG:  While I was researching about artifact trafficking, I learned about this Roman God.  The trafficking reaches all over the world and goes in all directions.  This name is given to a person in both worlds.  They are a part of the black market and that same person also has to operate in the legal market.   

EC: How would you describe Terra?

EG:  Strong, complicated, guarded, and determined.  She carries some baggage since she feels she has to live up to her mother’s reputation who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Terra is family oriented, and a nature lover like her mother.

EC:  How would you describe Jack?

EG:  He was a minor character from the previous book.  He is caring and anxious.  Unlike Terra, he wants to erase his father’s reputation and past.

EC:  What about the relationship?

EG:  They had a previous romance while in college.  They still carry the torch for each other although there are trust issues.  Terra has been deserted by those she loves either by having that person die or someone who left her. She has had a lot of heart break.

EC:  What about the military angle?

EG:  My husband and his family were all Air Force.  I wanted to have a military character play a role in the plot twist.  

EC: How would you describe the theme?

EG:  There is bitterness, grudges, regrets, and forgiveness along with second chances. 

EC:  Why the Star Wars Scene?

EG:  You are referring to the bar scene where it was named “Bar Wars,” and then the bartender is sarcastic calling himself Darth Maul and Boba Fett.  I did this because when I was writing I wanted some levity and fun.  My editors liked it, so it stayed in the story.  I love Star Wars but would not go as far as saying I am a geek.

EC:  Can you give a heads up about your next book?

EG:  It is titled Deadly Target.  The hero is Detective Nathan Campbell, and the heroine is Dr. Erin Larson, a criminal psychologist. Both the hero and heroine have targets on their backs.

THANK YOU!!

Teaser Tuesday!

Hello book lovers, welcome back to our Tuesday post. This includes #TeaserTuesday, #BookBeginnings and First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros. Enjoy! 

and

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros

I’m also taking part in First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros

Every Tuesday Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews now hosts “First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros”, where readers share the first paragraph of a book that they are reading, have read, or plan to read soon.

Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage, Book 1) by Elizabeth Goddard

Pg.1  

Chance Carter should have known this last delivery wouldn’t go down without a hitch.

Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage, Book 1) by Elizabeth Goddard

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Looking forward to visiting your blogs and seeing what your Teaser Tuesday, Book Beginnings and First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros are this week! Luv Sassy x

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