"A reporter blocked my way between vehicles. She rammed a mic in front of my face.

"Carrington Reed, do you think this standoff will have a peaceful resolution?"

My blood boiled. The last time I had verbally unleashed on her aggressive means to get the best story, she lied in her article about my concern for those in danger. I paused long enough to give her eye contact. " My goal is always a peaceful solution."

Carrington Reed is a hostage negotiator. As a private contractor, she can often get troubled people to talk to her since she is not officially law enforcement. Her years of experience provide her with the ability to be calm. Usually she has a successful outcome.

But in a particularly tense situation at a Texas ranch, the result is not what she hoped for. Reporter Levi Ehrlich inserted himself into the scene to try to help. Now the two of them are faced with fulfilling a promise: what really happened in the situation?

What I love about this author's books is the fact that she finds a creative way to write a whole new type of suspense. Her characters are well-developed and are not cookie cutters. Although I figured out parts of the story, there was much of the storyline that was completely unpredictable.

Before reading this book, I knew little about Messianic Judaism. Levi lives out his faith well, and I enjoyed learning more about this branch of Judaism. As for Carrington, she has health struggles that also add an interesting layer to the plot.

This book contains plenty of suspense, family complications, faith realizations and a bit of romance. DiAnn Mills is a must-read author for me. I did get a copy of this book through NetGalley, but I actually ended up listening to it. The audiobook is extremely well-done. I recommend either method - just enjoy this book. All opinions are my own.

The hero and heroine described themselves as curiosity and compassion. Levi was an exceptional journalist who sought the truth and had an insatiable curiosity. Carrington was a hostage negotiator who was full of compassion. She had a difficult time walking away from a negotiation until she had done all she could do for all parties concerned. This combination of curiosity and compassion got them caught up in a case that befuddled them and the law enforcement officers. I enjoy a suspenseful story that does not reveal the mastermind until the very last moment. This story is certainly one of those. No matter what suspicions the reader might have, the clues were too sparse to figure things out. The criminal basically had to get in their faces and declare guilt before they knew who was behind all of it. The lesson that came through loud and clear is that greed can lead to terrible evil.

Secrets, betrayal, and a hostage negotiator who doesn't know how to quit mix for an edge of your seat suspense. Add in an investigative reporter who always gets his answer and they won't stop until they have all their answers. Just when everything seems to line up with answers, another wrench gets thrown in to turn it all upside down once again. The only way to get the final answers is by sifting through all the clues to reach the adrenaline soaked ending. This is a thrill ride that leaves the reader eagerly flipping pages to get to the next plot twist.

The characters are so wonderfully written, they feel like people from down the street. The depth of emotions and hard situations they face put real amotions into the story. I loved how they each face hard family dynamics in both relationships and health, and show how God can be trusted to get through to the other side of every obstacle. It was so refreshing to read about a Messianic Jew and a few of the issues they deal with and some of their beliefs and traditions. I also loved how a hostage negotiator was portrayed, with a calm that doesn't always sit at the front of her life. And how her compassion and caring bled through to the surrounding days and situations the people affected by the hostage time faced. The detail to set the settings in this story just added a depth that made the story that much easier to dive into. The pages easily flipped by as I lost myself in this book.

The twists and adrenaline laced races through this book are amazing! I really couldn't guess the final outcome which made this story so hard to put down. It was a fast paced dive into a family history that people were killing to protect, and Carrington and Levi could always be next on the list! I raced through this book and can't wait for the next story from DiAnn Mills. I loved the thrill, suspense, and emotions form this story. I already have a spot on my TBR pile for her next thriller. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There is so much going on in this ingeniously, plotted, tense story. What starts out as a hostage situation turns into an investigation into a murder and so much more. Private negotiator, Carrington is in the thick of a deadly standoff but when it is over, she has to make sure the victims gets the care they need. Journalist, Levi began covering a story, but like Carrington becomes personally involved, they put their heads together, totally getting that they are not qualified investigators, but circumstances put them in the middle of the confounding aftermath.

I liked the alternating viewpoints of Carrington and Levi. It was interesting to get into their heads. Carrington is battling her own demons and learns to trust God. Levi is a messianic Jew, and that aspect was very well explained. *We are a dangerous pair. Curiosity and compassion. Always in trouble.* And as they share danger, the romance blooms.

The layered twists and turns had me quickly, turning pages in the villain, was a total surprise. The romance was paced just right and the faith element brightly shown.* The future wore a mask, but the One in charge held it in his hand. I knew it. I felt it. I believed it.

* I received a complementary copy of this book from Tyndall on behalf of the author through PICT tours and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Lethal Standoff is a thrilling, heart stopping, slow burn mystery. Full of twists & turns, this book kept me fully engaged with endearing characters, a lovely he falls first romance, witty dialogue, & a complex whodunit. If you*re a fan of romantic suspense, this is a must read.

Carrington Reed is a talented hostage negotiator who frequently finds herself convincing troubled people to surrender. She often finds handsome investigative reporter Levi Erlich there at the scene. When she*s called to a hostage situation where 15 undocumented people are being held captive at a Texas ranch, she has to draw upon all her capabilities. Once the intense situation ends, Carrington & Liam find themselves involved in a complex investigation to find out what*s really going on at the ranch & who*s responsible for the rancher*s death.

This was such a fast paced read! I loved Liam especially, he*s a recent convert to Messianic Judaism & is enduring the consequences of his choice. I loved his attitude when confronting trials & his unwillingness to give up on Carrington. Carrington is suffering from a potentially life threatening hereditary condition & is going through the diagnosis process all while investigating the mystery. The author really brings her struggles to light in a poignant, relatable way. Despite the intensity of the mystery & storyline, the author brings a touch of lightness with delightful, witty dialogue that had me smiling. She also weaves a lovely faith message throughout the story.

The ending had me completely surprised. I did not see the villain coming. It*s definitely a thrill ride that was hard to put down with a sweet romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher & Partners in Crime Tours. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.