Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the opening: Thwack. The bullet collided with the car at Riley’s back a moment before a retort echoed in the stale air of the junkyard.
But first the photo and verse. It’s that time of year again when the magnolias bloom in Mississippi. It’s the state flower, you know. And I didn’t mention it Tuesday, but we’ve been having blackberry winter this week with the temps dipping into the low 50s at night. At any rate, I love seeing the magnolias in bloom again. In fact I love seeing green everywhere I look. 🙂 And I love that verse–it’s gotten me through so many tough times.
Now for Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey. Here’s the cover and back copy:
A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?
In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.
As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.
My take:
Two Seconds Too Late a Jeopardy Falls Novel by Dani Pettrey was so good! But I knew it would be. Dani Pettrey writes gripping, page-turning books. This is the second book in the series, and I reviewed the first book, One Wrong Move, back in February here. That book featured Christian O’Brady and Andi Forrester, but Riley MacLeod and Greyson Chadwick were featured in the story. Even then there was an undercurrent of attraction between the two.
This was a fast-paced, twisty story with a lot of danger and unrequited love–my favorite kind! The plot is intriguing–a woman leaves a package on Riley’s doorstep and that sets the bad guys after her. We learn more about her childhood, and she has to confront her worst fear — returning to Las Vegas. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it and then I wished for more.
Two Seconds Too Late is a book readers of romantic suspense will love.
Okay Readers what are you reading this week? Leave the first line in the comments or just comment, and I’ll enter you in a May drawing for a beautiful pen handcrafted by Dr. Steve Hooley, a $60 value. You can see more of his work at his website. 
Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey is this week's Reader Friday! Leave a comment on the blog to be entered in a drawing for a $60 pen! Share on X
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Comments 34
I’ve downloaded two Dani Pettrey books on Audible today for my drive north and LOVE seeing magnolias in bloom. I had never heard Elvira until I got to hear The Oak Ridge Boys in concert last year – I’m grateful for that opportunity AND for magnolias and the people here!
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I love Elvira! One of the few songs I can sing along with. 🙂 I think you’ll really enjoy Dani’s books on your drive north.
I’ve read 2 Dani Pettrey books and they were Crushing Depths & killing Tide & loved them as for what I’m reading I’m reading Lessons In Seduction by Estelle Peterson
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What an intriguing title, Crystal!
I’ll admit, I learned over to smell that magnolia and was so disappointed when I couldn’t. Oh yeah, it’s a photo! The Scripture is perfect and one to cling to anytime.
Two Seconds Too Late sounds quite suspenseful. That was a great review, Pat. I can see it as being one I would lose sleep over staying up to read!
“America was supposed to be the land of opportunities, but it seemed more like a land of hunger and confusion to Inga. Huddled on the cold floor of the empty church, she tried to calm her breathing because even the tiniest noise sounded loud in the dark, echoey chamber.” These are the first two lines of the prologue of Elizabeth Camden’s, “ When Stars Light the Sky.”
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Ooh, your first line sent chills over me, Barbara! So sorry to disappoint you on the scent. 😉 I think you’d really enjoy Dani’s books!
Forgiven on the scent! lol 🙂
I have read several of Dani’s books. They never disappoint. My TBR pile is full to overflowing. What a lovely dilemma! Sigh! 😉
The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen
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I love that book, Barbara! Tess Gerritsen is one of my automatic read authors.
Flowers are such a reflection of God’s wonderful design for life. Great photo, Pat! Good choice for a verse to go with it. My parents had a magnolia tree in their front yard. My dad and I planted it as a sapling for a Mother’s Day present. Mom loved it, and it grew to be a very large tree; always beautiful.
I just finished reading “Two Seconds too Late.” It was indeed a great read.
Yesterday, I started on “Waylaid” by Jerusha Agen which begins with “A pop pierced the night. A gunshot? Spring Weston’s stomach clenched as she ducked lower over the handlebars of her bicycle and pedaled hard.”
I know Waylaid will be a good read, Tim. I haven’t ordered it, yet. I do love Jerusha’s books. Glad for the reminder.
Blessings!
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I thought you’d like the magnolia, Tim! I love them…in someone else’s yard. lol They are a lot of work. I agree about Dani Pettrey’s book! And I always enjoy Jerusha Agen’s books.
Pursuit of Justice by Pamela Tracy. I enjoy the love inspired suspense series it is how I am introduced to new Christian authors.
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I’ll have to check out Pamela Tracy’s book, Sharon. I really enjoy LIS books!
book sounds great! currently between books
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Hi Shelia…there are plenty to choose from. 🙂
Nice photo of the magnolia, Pat. We lost ours to Michael. My first line:
Lucretia Martin wasn’t willing to call a single corner of the world home.
Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson
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I’m sorry you lost your magnolia, Gloria. They are such beautiful trees. And Liz Johnson’s book sounds really good!
nice flower
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Thanks, BN!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
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It is, Diana! Thanks for reading the blog!
Beautiful magnolia and wonderful verse!
I love Dani Pettrey’s books and am now on the library wait list for Two Seconds Too Late. Your review makes me more eager to read it.
I am reading Conrad by Susan May Warren. “If they’d been on the ice, Conrad Kingston, center for the Blue Ox hockey team, would have done time in the penalty box. And pretty-boy television-talk-show host Ian Fletcher would have a broken nose, maybe a few gaps where teeth used to be.”
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Thanks, Mary G! and Conrad sounds really good!
Beautiful photo & scripture. I’m reading When the Mountains Wept by Kenny Pearson. Have a blessed Mother’s Day weekend.
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Thanks, Lucy. I haven’t read Kenny Pearson’s book, but it sounds interesting.
Such a beautiful flower with a wonderful verse to match.
I recognized a lot of people in your video this time. I guess the Oaks will always be remembered for that song. So sad that the tenor singer passed away before they could finish their farewell tour.
I think Colleen Coble’s book, Ambush, has already been featured here. I started reading it last night, but don’t have it at hand right now. I decided to share the first few lines of Protecting You by Robin Patchen. I read it in January. The book starts:
Alyssa Wright’s client had insisted they meet here. She’d never been to this restaurant.
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Thanks, Edward. I got to see them on the Farewell Tour. Joe Bonsoll wasn’t doing well, and they carried him to the stage to a chair while the lights were out. But it was a great show! And I really enjoyed both books you mentioned!
Kate Cunningham’s eyes widened with awe as Grand Teton National Park unfolded before her, a sight so breathtaking that it forced her to pull over to the side of the road.
Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
I’ve read and reviewed Two Seconds Too Late and it held me spellbound right from the start.
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Your first line is great, Gail. Makes me want to read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s book!
Dani Pettrey is one of my go-to authors!
Have a blessed Mother’s Day Weekend!
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Thanks, Caryl! And Dani is one of my go-to authors as well.
I’m reading Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johson. Her historical romances are so good!
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I haven’t read Tara Johnson’s historicals. I’ll have to check them out!